The presence of more than trace amounts of free fluid without solid organ injury in patients with blunt trauma is a strong indication for exploratory laparotomy. Patients with isolated trace amounts of free fluid can be safely observed.

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In states with a prevailing practice of promptly transferring brain-injured patients, survival of these patients may not be enhanced by categorization of hospitals as rural trauma centers. To further improve the outcome of these patients, policy makers should adjust statewide trauma system guidelines to enhance integration and to perfect coordination among sequential decision makers.

Trauma registry data cross-linked to vital statistics records is practicable. Patients who die in the year after injury differ from the traditional population used to evaluate quality of trauma care, and new standards are needed that evaluate long-term survival.

Flow velocity varies widely within and among AxFBGs. Patency of AxFBGs is associated with higher midgraft PSV, and thrombosis with midgraft velocities less than 80 cm/s.

The Medical Specialty Preceptor Council of a large tertiary medical center selected prioritization as a theme to address with medical specialty registered nurse preceptors. Activities included exploration of the literature, personal reflection on preceptor experiences, and creation of a project that culminated in a preceptor forum. The forum included interactive poster stations staged for a drop-in session for preceptors. The stations were developed and staffed by Council members using research and ideas from colleagues.

Use of computed tomography increased NOM of splenic trauma from 11 to 71% during the 5-year period for injuries of equivalent severity. Age > 55 years or abnormal neurologic status should not preclude NOM, because success was related only to injury grade.