This course identifies characteristics, contributing factors, and consequences of hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy and features an interactive exploration of trauma patient characteristics.
Objectives
- List the three components of the deadly triad of trauma.
- Identify contributing factors and manifestations of hypothermia in a trauma patient.
- Identify contributing factors and manifestations of acidosis in a trauma patient.
- Identify contributing factors and manifestations of coagulopathy in a trauma patient.
- Explain assessment and resuscitation interventions for preventing/treating the deadly triad of trauma.
- Outline continued care interventions and monitoring of patients at risk for developing the deadly triad of trauma.
More details
Trauma, any external force applied to the body that results in tissue injury, can result in injuries ranging from mild to life-threatening. Termed the "deadly triad of trauma," the combination of hypothermia, acidosis and coagulopathy is a response to trauma that can lead to death.
This deadly triad creates a vicious cycle of worsening bleeding (due to coagulopathy), decreased oxygenation (due to acidosis) and continued decreasing body temperature (due to hypothermia), ultimately resulting in a downward spiral to death.
Note: This course is only available to staff at PLS Participating Hospitals through their Learning Management Systems.
