Trauma monthly
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Bleeding and trapped air in the pleural space are called hemothorax and pneumothorax, respectively. In cases where there are delays in diagnosis and treatment, the mortality rates due to hemopneumothorax can be significant. Hemopneumothorax is characterized by decreased lung sounds or chest percussion and subcutaneous emphysema. Diagnosis of pneumothorax and hemothorax can be achieved by portable chest X-ray (CXR), computed tomography (CT) scan, or ultrasonography. Portable CXR and CT-scans have their individual drawbacks. CXR creates a high percentage of false negative results, and a CT-scan is time consuming and less cost-effective; in addition, both modalities expose patients to radiation. Therefore, the introduction of ultrasonography as an easily available and highly accurate diagnostic modality has particular importance. ⋯ Ultrasonography sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of hemopneumothorax was high. The sensitivity of portable CXR was low despite its high specificity for the detection of hemothorax and pneumothorax.
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Electrical burn is less prevalent in comparison to other forms of burn injuries, however this type of injury is considered as one of the most devastating due to high morbidity and mortality. Understanding the epidemiologic pattern of electrical burns helps determine the contributing factors leading to this type of injury. ⋯ Electrical burn injuries are still amongst the highest accident-related morbidities and mortalities. Educating the population about the dangers and hazards associated with improper use of electrical devices and instruments is imperative.
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Ergonomic factors predispose nurses to low back pain (LBP). Few studies have clarified the role of workplace violence in LBP occurrence. ⋯ Besides a history of low back pain and ergonomic factors, physical violence may be considered a contributing factor for acute low back injuries. Special attention to all personal, occupational, and psychological risk factors is recommended.
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Unalleviated complications related to hospitalization, including stress, anxiety, and pain, can easily influence different structures, like the neural system, by enhancing the stimulation of sympathetic nervous pathways and causing unstable vital signs and deterioration in the level of consciousness. ⋯ Massage via family members had several positive effects on the patients' clinical conditions, and therefore, it should be recognized as one of the most important clinical considerations in hospitalized patients.
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Injuries are a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide and are estimated to become the third leading cause of death by 2020. Most traffic deaths occur during the prehospital phase; consequently, prehospital trauma care has received considerable attention during the past decade. However, there is no study on the prehospital immobilization of spine and limbs in patients with multiple trauma in Iran. ⋯ The quality of spine and limb immobilizations was undesirable in more than 90% of cases. Due to the importance of good spine and limb immobilization in patients with multiple trauma, prehospital EMS technicians should be retrained for proper immobilization in patients suspected of spine or limb injuries. Developing evidence-based protocols and strengthening the regulatory and supervisory system to improve quality of prehospital emergency care in patients with multiple trauma is recommended.