Keywords

Pediatric injury, Penetrating neck injuries, Zone I neck injuries, Zone II neck injuries, Zone III neck injuries

 

Authors

  1. Hanson, Carol A.L. MSN, RN
  2. Smith, Jill Ann RN

Abstract

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.