Blunt cardiac injury as a result of a motor vehicle collision: A case study

SummaryBlunt cardiac injury typically occurs in patients who are severely injured and have sustained significant thoracic trauma such as multiple rib fractures, pulmonary contusions and haemopneumothorax. Blunt cardiac injury while uncommon can have life threatening consequences. Often no clinical features manifest until a complication occurs which can be quite sudden. We describe the screening methods for blunt cardiac injury (most importantly the ECG), and discuss evaluation is focused on identifying those likely to develop cardiac complications, so they can be closely monitored and intervention rapidly performed.This case has highlighted the value of pro-active nursing care to detect physiologic alteration and deter further deterioration. The evidence surrounding early investigations such as electrocardiography and cardiac troponin measurement have been discussed in clinical context. The importance of ongoing monitoring, awareness of signs of deterioration and effective communication has been highlighted.