Cardiac arrhythmias are common in trauma patients about how many hours after the incident?

Cardiac arrhythmias are common in trauma patients about how many hours after the incident?

• A. 6-12 hours
• B. 12-72 hours
• C. 24-96 hours
• D. 2-6 hours

Answer: (B)

Post-traumatic cardiac arrhythmias often emerge after the initial resuscitation period as myocardial contusion, electrolyte shifts, and autonomic instability develop. Blunt heart injury can cause conduction disturbances that aren’t immediate; edema and necrosis of the myocardium typically evolve over the first day or two. Because of this, the window when arrhythmias are most commonly observed is roughly 12 to 72 hours after injury. During this time, continuous ECG monitoring is especially important, since ventricular ectopy or other rhythm disturbances can occur and may be life-threatening. Earlier time frames (a few hours) reflect the immediate post-injury phase, while later windows can occur but the most characteristic period is the 12–72 hour window.

Post-traumatic cardiac arrhythmias often emerge after the initial resuscitation period as myocardial contusion, electrolyte shifts, and autonomic instability develop. Blunt heart injury can cause conduction disturbances that aren’t immediate; edema and necrosis of the myocardium typically evolve over the first day or two. Because of this, the window when arrhythmias are most commonly observed is roughly 12 to 72 hours after injury. During this time, continuous ECG monitoring is especially important, since ventricular ectopy or other rhythm disturbances can occur and may be life-threatening. Earlier time frames (a few hours) reflect the immediate post-injury phase, while later windows can occur but the most characteristic period is the 12–72 hour window.