Citation

Hanson CA, Smith JA. J. Trauma Nurs. 2007; 14(1): 12-16.

Affiliation

Carol Logan Hanson, MSN, RN, is Pediatric Trauma Coordinator; Jill Ann Smith, RN, CEN, is Pediatric Trauma Case Manager, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pa.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Society of Trauma Nurses)

DOI

10.1097/01.JTN.0000264138.25642.63

PMID

17420645

Abstract

Penetrating neck injuries are uncommon in children, and when they do occur, they can be a challenge to manage. Injuries can be cardiovascular, aerodigestive, and neurovascular. In the past, injuries were explored surgically to evaluate the extent of the injury; studies are now showing that observation and less invasive studies have a positive outcome for the patient. Immediate surgical intervention remains mandatory for the clinically unstable patient, whereas stable patients have studies done that pertain to their signs and symptoms, thus having a conservative nonoperative approach to care.

Language: en