Examining the relationship between preinjury health and injury-related factors to discharge location and risk for injury-associated complications in patients after blunt thoracic trauma: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether preinjury health and injury-related factors were associated with posthospitalization discharge location and injury-associated complications for patients with blunt thoracic trauma. METHODS: A retrospective analysis using registry data from a level 1 trauma center was conducted. A random sample of 200 patients admitted between 2009 and 2012 was included. Relationships between variables were assessed through cross-tabulation with the chi-square analysis; a P value <.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Alcohol/drug use was related to hospital discharge location. Most patients with alcohol involved injuries discharged to locations other than home or long-term care facilities. Of the 59 patients who required intensive care, their length of stay was less than 3 days, and 24 required mechanical ventilation for short periods. Most blunt thoracic trauma patients were hospitalized less than 7 days. A relationship was identified between discharge location and the presence of any of the National Trauma Databank comorbid conditions and the comorbid condition of bleeding. A relationship between rib fractures and injury-associated complications was not found. The complication of pneumonia was related to length of stay and primary payment method. CONCLUSION: Comorbid medical conditions and injury-related factors were associated with injury-related complications and discharge location for select variables. Further exploration with is needed to elucidate the associations more fully.

Long-term outcomes after blunt injury to the boney thorax: an integrative literature review.

Management of blunt injury to the boney thorax centers on the hospital; yet, these injuries continue to impact patients long after hospitalization. The purpose of this literature review was to identify long-term outcomes associated with this injury. A literature search found 616 studies and, after screening, yielded 6 articles for review. Patient and injury characteristics and postinjury assessment findings were explored. The impact of this injury can be prolonged and life altering, prompting the need for further investigation. A greater understanding of injury-specific posthospitalization outcomes could elucidate the impact of these injuries on patients, families, and society.

Critical social theory approach to disclosure of genomic incidental findings.

Technology has expanded genomic research and the complexity of extracted gene-related information. Health-related genomic incidental findings pose new dilemmas for nurse researchers regarding the ethical application of disclosure to participants. Consequently, informed consent specific to incidental findings is recommended. Critical Social Theory is used as a guide in recognition of the changing meaning of informed consent and to serve as a framework to inform nursing of the ethical application of disclosure consent in genomic nursing research practices.