Atls (Advanced Trauma Life Support) Teaching Protocol

Assessment :

Inspection / palpation /Auscultation / Percussion

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  Expose the neck and chest
  
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  Respiratory rate and depth
  
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  Inspect and palpate: tracheal deviation ? symmetrical chest movement ? use of accessory muscles ? signs of injury ? subcutaneous emphysema ?
  
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  Cyanosis ?
  
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  Auscultate the chest
  
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  Percussion : dullness? hyperresonance?
  

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  Management :
  

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  Administer high concentrations of oxygen
  
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  Ventilate with BVM
  
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  Alleviate tension pneumothorax : needle decompression / Place chest tube
  
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  Indication for thoracotomy
  
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  Seal an open pneumothorax
  
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  Pulse oximeter
  

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  Important Notes :
  

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  Always check for one-lung intubation, chest X-rays should be performed
  

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