Course Summary

Physical trauma to the face ranges from simple bruises, burns, large lacerations, and fractures to eye, teeth, or nerve injuries. Facial injuries can be disfiguring and cause significant function loss, including sense of sight, smell, or the ability to speak. Those with facial trauma must be systematically assessed so hidden injuries are not overlooked. Early and accurate diagnosis with rapid treatment helps minimize and can prevent function loss as well as disfigurement. Clinicians must focus on the basics of trauma care following Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) guidelines. Life-threatening injuries must be identified during the primary and secondary surveys. This course prepares the learner to understand basic facial anatomy as well as the etiology, clinical manifestations, assessment, emergent care, treatment, and prognosis of facial trauma. This includes soft tissue injuries, burns, fractures, and the impact of facial trauma on the brain, nerves, cervical spine, and mental or emotional well-being of those with severe facial injuries.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

1. Introduction

2. Facial Anatomy and the Complexity of Facial Trauma

1. Facial Bones
2. Orbital Region
3. Sinuses
4. Nerves
5. Vasculature
6. Skin
7. Glands
8. Muscles

3. Etiology of Facial Injuries

1. Soft Tissue Injuries
2. Skin
3. Abrasions
4. Tears and Lacerations
5. Avulsions
6. Contusions
7. Burns

4. Facial Fractures

1. Maxillary 
2. Le Fort I
3. Le Fort II
4. Le Fort III
5. Mandible
6. Nasal Bone
7. Zygoma
8. Frontal Bone
9. Primary Assessment and Testing
10. Laboratory Studies
11. Imaging Studies

5. Treatment and Hospital Care

1. Deep Wound Repair
2. Septal Hematoma
3. Cauliflower Ear
4. Contusions and Abrasions
5. Epistaxis
6. Fractures
7. Pharmacotherapy

6. Case Study: Facial Trauma

7. Summary

Author

Lindy Beaver, DNP, MSN, CHE, ACNS-BC

Lindy Beaver is an assistant professor at the College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia. She has practiced extensively as a clinical nurse with over nine years as Clinical Nurse Specialist. This included department leadership roles in Emergency Services and Surgical Services and Anesthesia. In addition, Lindy Beaver has more than 25 years promoting evidence-based practice that focuses on quality patient outcomes. During her career, Lindy Beaver has integrated tutoring, mentoring, and professional guidance into her practice for all levels of nursing. She enjoys engaging with clinical staff in personal and professional growth, and her career has exemplified a true passion and  devotion to nursing.