Thoracic trauma. Nursing assessment and management.

The importance of the respiratory system to total body functioning cannot be overemphasized. It is imperative that the nurse realize that the first priority in trauma care is to maintain and support the respiratory system. The nurse must be able to rapidly and effectively perform a primary survey, recognize the clinical manifestations of life-threatening thoracic injuries, and intervene in the care of the patient to help stabilize and maintain the patient's respiratory function. The nurse must not only be able to asses, but must also be able to technically intervene rapidly and effectively. Other potential life-threatening injuries must remain uppermost in the nurse's mind. Continual, ongoing monitoring of the patient's status must be an integral part of the nurse's actions. If these activities are judiciously employed, perhaps the mortality rate will decrease and the thoracic trauma victim will survive, capable of leading a full and productive life in our society. This is quality patient care.