What is most likely occurring in the trauma patient that has increasing bp decreasing heart rate and irregular respirations?

Tension pneumothorax

- Increasing BP: compensatory response to decreased CO leading to increased SVR and vasoconstriction

- Decreasing HR: vagal stimulation from pressure on vagus nerve with resulting bradycardia

- Irregular respirations: due to splinting and decreased lung expansion on affected side

Heart Attack - Related Articles