Blunt chest trauma: review of selected pulmonary injuries focusing on pulmonary contusion

Abstract

Pulmonary injuries resulting from blunt chest trauma remain a common clinical entity for critical care and emergency nurses. In this article, the epidemiology and mechanism of injury most often observed in patients with blunt chest trauma are reviewed. Selected pulmonary injuries are discussed in terms of mechanism of injuries, assessment and diagnostic modalities, standard therapies, and cutting-edge therapies used today with a focus on pulmonary contusion. Many advances and experimental therapies currently used in the management of the patient with severe lung injuries are discussed. A case study is presented highlighting a complicated case of a blunt chest injury resulting in severe pulmonary contusion.