Final answer:
During chest trauma, the nurse should monitor cardiac function, respiratory status for signs of pneumothorax or other injuries, and maintain readiness to perform CPR if necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
During chest trauma, a nurse must closely monitor several critical aspects to ensure the patient's safety and well-being. Firstly, it is essential to monitor the patient's cardiac function, looking for any signs of distress. This may include observing the heart rate, rhythm, and any potential irregularities. Keeping an eye on respiratory status is also crucial due to the risk of pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or other lung injuries, which can compromise breathing. The nurse should listen for any abnormal sounds such as crepitations, indicating lung problems. Additionally, careful attention should be given to signs of sustained muscular contraction which may impede breathing following a shock from chest trauma.
In the event of a cardiac arrest, knowledge of CPR technique becomes vital. The nurse would need to ensure proper hand placement between T4 and T9 on the sternum and perform chest compressions at the correct depth and rate to maintain blood flow and oxygen delivery, particularly critical for brain function. The provision of CPR continues until the patient achieves a spontaneous rhythm or is declared deceased by a healthcare professional.