SAQ 240 – Trauma – emergency thoracotomy for penetrating chest injury

A 24-year-old man arrives after a single stab wound to the chest. Initial observations are BP 165/80 mmHg, HR 125/min, RR 26/min, SpO2 97% on room air, and GCS 15. Bedside echocardiography confirms cardiac tamponade. He then becomes unconscious with BP 60/20 mmHg and sinus tachycardia at 140/min.

List four (4) features in this presentation associated with a favourable outcome from emergency thoracotomy.

(Marked out of 4.0)

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List four (4) specific procedures enabled by emergency thoracotomy.

(Marked out of 4.0)

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List four (4) disadvantages or limitations of performing emergency thoracotomy in this patient.

(Marked out of 4.0)

/ 4

Total Score: 0 / 12

Percentage: 0%