Ellen has been transported to the emergency department following a motor vehicle accident. She was the...

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Ellen has been transported to the emergency department following a motor vehicle accident. She was the unrestrained driver of one of the vehicles, and her body hit the steering wheel on impact. Ellen has dyspnea, tachypnea, and tachycardia, appears extremely anxious, and is showing signs of shock. Upon examination, the emergency physician notes distant heart sounds, hypotension, and jugular venous distension. A Swan-Ganz catheter placed by the physician reveals equal RA and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures and an elevated CVP. 1. What type of injury is suspected as a result of the blunt chest trauma? What causes the pathology? 2. What diagnostic exams are indicated? What will the tests show? 3. What is the treatment for this condition? What will the treatment accomplish? Ellen has been transported to the emergency department following a motor vehicle accident. She was the unrestrained driver of one of the vehicles, and her body hit the steering wheel on impact. Ellen has dyspnea, tachypnea, and tachycardia, appears extremely anxious, and is showing signs of shock. Upon examination, the emergency physician notes distant heart sounds, hypotension, and jugular venous distension. A Swan-Ganz catheter placed by the physician reveals equal RA and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures and an elevated CVP. 1. What type of injury is suspected as a result of the blunt chest trauma? What causes the pathology? 2. What diagnostic exams are indicated? What will the tests show? 3. What is the treatment for this condition? What will the treatment accomplish?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

1 The injury suspected as a result of the blunt chest trauma is a pulmonary contusion This is caused by the blunt force of the steering wheel hitting Ellens chest which can cause damage to the lungs a... View the full answer