Chest Trauma and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

CASE STUDY Chest Trauma and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

A 36-year-old woman is brought to the hospital following a head-on car accident. She was
unrestrained and sustained a blunt injury to the chest from hitting the steering wheel. Initially,
she is asymptomatic. Initial orders include a stat chest x-ray, arterial blood gases, and oxygen at
4 L/minute via Venturi mask.
1. What other assessments should be made when she arrives in the ED?