Reducing complications of thoracic gunshot wounds

With the persistent presence of violence in our urban areas and the availability of guns, penetrating injuries as a result of firearm use continue to be a challenge for the emergency, surgery, and operating room nurse. Because gunshot wounds may be rapidly fatal, an understanding of firearms and the injuries they produce, as well as their possible complications, can assist the critical care nurse in caring for patients with gunshot wounds to the chest. Thoracic trauma is present in 50% of all trauma patients and is the cause of death in 25% of these victims. Penetrating trauma from violent episodes accounts for approximately 50% of cases of chest trauma in the urban setting.