S6E55 Patient Pathways - Trauma Patient

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Kati Kleber, MSN RN – Nurse educator, former cardiac med-surg/stepdown and neurocritical care nurse, author, and speaker.

Hannah Schlake, BSN RN CMSRN – ICU nurse in Surgical ICU, preceptor and a charge nurse

S6E55 Patient Pathways – Trauma Patient Show Notes

Hannah Introduction
- graduated from nursing school in 2018 and is currently an ICU nurse at a Magnet-designated, level-one trauma center in Chicago, IL. She works in a Surgical ICU that sees a wide variety of surgical patients including those from vascular, thoracic, transplant, plastics, and trauma services. Previously, she worked for three years on a surgical floor where she served as a preceptor and a charge nurse. Hannah is passionate about helping other nurses develop confidence and positive self-talk, keen critical thinking skills, and a sustainable work-life balance.
Surgical Floor Description
Michael Scarn Patient Pathway
- Sample Report
Suprapubic Catheter
ORIF -Open Reduction Internal Fixation Surgery
PRBC – packed random blood cell
- Packed red blood cells are typically given in situations where the patient has either lost a large amount of blood or has anemia that is causing notable symptoms.

External Fixators
- Most common on lower extremities
- Metal fixator on the outside
- Pin Care
Downgraded
- level of care
PCA
- patient-controlled analgesia
- Needs the pain medication
Bilateral edema
Venous duplex
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
TLSO Brace – Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis
After the report, what is important for this patient?
Managing Pain meds for patients with profound injuries
- Pain control
- Wean off PCA and onto oral meds
Collaborating with Physical Therapy for the best of your patient
Reenforcing the doctor’s plan with the patient