Blunt chest trauma: a challenge to accident and emergency nurses

The incidence of myocardial contusion as a result of blunt chest trauma remains difficult to assess. As such the potentially lethal consequences are often difficult to mitigate against. The true incidence of myocardial contusion is not known and various authors have ascribed percentages in the very broad range of 8-71% of those having suffered blunt chest trauma. The extremely wide variation in presenting signs and symptoms further complicates the clinical picture creating a complicated and complex challenge for the assessing team. In the absence of clear guidelines to date a number of potential options are discussed exploring their efficacy and appropriateness in the management of those patients suffering from blunt chest trauma.