Eye Injuries and Facial Trauma Management

Eye Injuries and Conditions

• Hyphema: Defined as blood in the anterior chamber of the eye.
• Conjunctiva: A delicate membrane covering the inner surface of the eyelids and the exposed surface of the eye.
• Contact Lens Protocol: For chemical exposure, carefully remove contact lenses and irrigate with saline.

Facial Trauma Management

• For facial trauma with dislodged teeth, apply supplemental oxygen, immobilize the spine, locate teeth, and suction as needed.
• Significant facial injuries may mask hidden airway problems; urgency in treatment is crucial.
• Recognize the blood supply in facial tissues; they tend to bleed profusely when injured.

Anatomical Landmarks

• Mastoid Process: Located approximately 1 inch posterior to the external opening of the ear.
• Superficial Temporal Artery: Can be palpated just anterior to the tragus of the ear.
• Jawbones:
  • Upper jawbones are referred to as maxillae.
  • Lower jawbone is known as the mandible.

Patient Assessment and Intervention

• In cases of altered consciousness with head injury, close the eyes and cover with a moist dressing to prevent drying.
• If a patient with facial trauma begins to vomit while immobilized, turn the backboard onto its side for safety.
• Assess pupils; unequal pupil size may indicate a history of eye surgeries, important for medical history.

Muscle Function

• The sternocleidomastoid muscle allows movement of the head and is a key structure in neck mobility.

Vital Signs Monitoring

• Monitor vital signs closely in trauma cases: alert state, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate are critical for patient assessment.