SAQ 1402 – Penetrating chest trauma with chest X-ray

Ambulance notifies you of the imminent arrival of a critically unwell 25-year-old man stabbed once in the left anterior chest with a large knife.

Pre-arrival observations are GCS 14 (E4 V4 M6), pulse 135/min, BP 85/45 mmHg and oxygen saturation 98% on 15 L/min oxygen via non-rebreather mask. He is reported to be agitated.

After arrival, a chest X-ray is performed and displayed below.

List four critical interventions you would prepare to perform in the ED. For each intervention, give the clinical indication for its use.

(Marked out of 8.0)
Critical intervention | Clinical indication<br /> |<br /> |<br /> |<br /> |

/ 8

List the main pathology evident on the chest X-ray.

(Marked out of 1.0)

/ 1

List two supporting radiographic features.

(Marked out of 2.0)

/ 2

List two other possible traumatic causes of hypotension. For each, state supportive examination or investigation findings.

(Marked out of 4.0)
Cause of hypotension | Examination or investigative finding<br /> |<br /> |

/ 4

You determine that an intercostal catheter is needed. List four possible complications of the procedure and a safety step to avoid each complication.

(Marked out of 8.0)
Complication | Safety step<br /> |<br /> |<br /> |<br /> |

/ 8

Total Score: 0 / 23

Percentage: 0%