IT’S TRAUMA TUESDAY is

a Free Weekly Newsletter

Brought to you by TCAR Education Programs

For nurses and other clinicians practicing anywhere

along the trauma care spectrum

Take a quick test of your trauma care knowledge

Article of the Week

Feeling the squeeze: Intra-abdominal hypertension

This week's article highlights how increased pressure within the abdomen- known as intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS)- can significantly impair circulation and organ function in critically ill patients. For trauma and bedside nurses, early recognition is key, as rising abdominal pressure can reduce cardiac output, impair breathing, and contribute to multi-organ dysfunction. 

The authors encourage clinicians to use more advanced monitoring tools, such as ultrasound and volumetric assessments, rather than relying solely on standard pressure measurements when evaluating a patient’s fluid status and perfusion. The article also emphasizes the importance of careful, individualized resuscitation to support organ perfusion while avoiding excess fluids that may increase intra-abdominal pressure and worsen patient outcomes.

Click the link to view the article or watch a short AI-generated article summary (5 min 32 sec).

Soliman Aboumarie H, Nasa P, Malbrain M. Cardiovascular effects of intra-abdominal hypertension: current perspectives. Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther. 2025;57(1):340-355.

Trauma Happenings

What’s an ESP Block?

Nope, not a lack of extrasensory perception, but an erector spinae plane block. Have you heard of it? Have you seen it used in your patients?

An ESPB is a new approach to managing rib fracture pain. Click the TraumaPro link for an explanation of the procedure and watch a 10-minute how-to video.

How Long are the Standardized Trauma Courses?

It’s not unusual for TCAR or PCAR course participants to provide feedback that the course was loooong. Yes, indeed! The American College of Surgeons expects trauma care providers to receive rigorous and substantial training before caring for injured patients. So, how do common trauma courses compare in terms of contact hours?

Below are the continuing education contact hours awarded for course completion. Contact hours for some courses vary depending on format: live, online, or hybrid.

The number of contact hours awarded is calculated by an accrediting organization and does not include time spent reading the manual, viewing supplemental material, or testing.

LEGEND
PCAR—Pediatric Care After Resuscitation 

TCAR—Trauma Care After Resuscitation 

TNCC—Trauma Nursing Core Course 

ATCN—Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses 

TNATC—Transport Nurse Advanced Trauma Course 

ATLS—Advanced Trauma Life Support (for MDs and APPs)

The Aromas of Trauma Care

Did you know the human nose can distinguish and remember up to 50,000 different scents? Too bad we can’t UNREMEMBER the smell of C. difficile stools, burned human flesh, or necrotizing fasciitis!

--Hartford Healthcare

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