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A 28 year old man is brought to ED following a motorcycle accident. After you clear his airway you intubate him after you note respiratory distress. Normal, bilateral breath sounds are present, and neck veins are absent with BP 90/60 and HR 125. You notice that he has a femoral fracture. What must you do?

User Squagem
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Final answer:

The patient's injury likely includes internal bleeding potentially associated with the femoral fracture, necessitating immediate intravenous fluid resuscitation and possibly blood transfusion, along with stabilization of the fracture.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scenario describes a 28-year-old man who has sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident and presents with respiratory distress necessitating intubation. Once intubated, the presence of normal, bilateral breath sounds suggests that there isn't an injury within the respiratory tract preventing air exchange. However, his absent neck veins, low blood pressure (BP 90/60), and high heart rate (HR 125) could indicate the possibility of internal bleeding, potentially associated with the femoral fracture. Therefore, it is crucial to manage his hemodynamic status immediately. The first steps should include assessing the patient's total blood volume loss, initiating intravenous fluid resuscitation, applying a splint or traction to the femoral fracture to minimize hemorrhage and pain, and considering blood transfusion if necessary.

Additional diagnostics may include imaging to assess the extent of fracturing and any potential internal injuries. It's important to monitor the patient closely for signs of compartment syndrome and to be prepared to act on any signs of deterioration. Throughout this, the patient should be reassessed regularly to ensure airway patency, adequate oxygenation and ventilation, and stable hemodynamics during resuscitation and stabilization.

User Nitzmahone
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