scenario013
46 year old female stabbed in the left lower chest, between the 7th & 8th ribs in the mid-axillary line.

Primary Survey

Airway: Clear Breathing: Bilateral, equal air entry. O2sat 98%. Resp rate 18 Circulation: Pulse 90/min, BP 140/90 Dysfunction: GCS 15. Pupils equal & reactive Exposure: No other external signs of injury

Chest X-ray reveals a small haemothorax which drains 200mls on insertion of an intercostal chest drain. She is tender in the left upper quadrant so a CT scan is ordered which reveals a grade 3 splenic injury. Haemodynamically normal throughout.