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Biomedical subjects

D E Fritsch

Publications and source records attributed to D E Fritsch.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Managing trauma patients with abdominal compartment syndrome.

ACS is due to a rapid increase in intra-abdominal pressure. Although ACS may occur in both surgical and nonsurgical patients, patients who have abdominal or pelvic trauma and/or require massive fluid replacement are at increased risk. Critical care nurses are in a unique position to recognize early signs and symptoms of increased intra-abdominal pressure to ensure timely intervention. Aggressive hemodynamic, pulmonary, and operative management is essential for the optimal outcome of patients with ACS. Without definitive treatment, multisystem organ dysfunction and death ultimately ensue.

Abdomen↗

Hypothermia in the trauma patient.

Traumatic injury places the patient at risk for hypothermia in both pre-hospital and hospital settings. Hypothermia significantly affects physiologic processes in the body and increases mortality in the trauma patient. Identifying trauma patients at risk for hypothermia, preventing hypothermia, and managing its complications are essential for positive outcomes. This article explores the physiologic ramifications of hypothermia, patients at risk, and management strategies in the trauma patient.

Humans↗

Wound infection following trauma and burn injuries.

Wounds that result from trauma and burn injuries may lead to the development of infection from the mechanism of injury, bacterial contamination, exogenous and endogenous sources, and impaired host defenses. Knowledge of these factors, combined with thorough wound assessment, differentiation between contaminated and infected wounds, the appropriate use of wound cultures and antibiotics, and the appropriate selection of wound-management techniques, is important in the optimization of wound healing.

Burns↗

Ludwig's angina.

Ludwig's angina is a cellulitis frequently occurring as a result of infections of the second and third lower molar. Despite a decrease in mortality from 50% to less than 10% since the introduction of antibiotics, it remains a rare but life-threatening illness. The potential for rapid respiratory obstruction is the greatest concern. Familiarity with the anatomy of the neck and recognition of symptoms are essential for effective treatment. Treatment focuses on maintenance of an airway, antibiotic therapy, and surgery. Asphyxia, aspiration, mediastinitis, pneumonia, empyema, and septicemia are possible complications.

Female↗

Characteristics of burn patients developing pressure ulcers.

In 1997 a prospective study to identify pressure ulcer development and identify risk factors was conducted on 217 consecutive patients in the burn center. Weekly rounds were conducted, and the specifics of pressure ulcer development, demographics, concurrent injuries, comorbid conditions, risk factors, and patient outcomes were identified. An incidence of 4.1% was identified, with the most common locations being the sacrum, occipital area, and heel. All patients with pressure ulcers met criteria for a major burn injury. The patients had concurrent injuries or an infectious process, had more surgical procedures, and were older than the group that did not develop pressure ulcers. A lower Braden Scale for risk assessment and a later onset of ulceration was noted in this population compared with previous studies of nonburn patients. The results of this study have led to changes in our burn clinical pathways that target preventive strategies in high-risk patients.

Adult↗