What is the key thing to do for pregnant patients experiencing trauma?

For pregnant patients experiencing trauma, using high flow oxygen is critical because they require increased oxygenation to support both the mother and the developing fetus. Trauma can lead to hypoxia, and providing high flow oxygen helps in ensuring that the oxygen delivery to both the maternal and fetal circulation is optimized. Pregnant patients have unique physiological changes, including increased blood volume and altered respiratory function, which makes them more susceptible to hypoxia.

High flow oxygen can mitigate the impacts of trauma on both maternal and fetal health, especially in situations where blood flow may be compromised. While low flow oxygen might seem sufficient, the increased metabolic demands during pregnancy render high flow oxygen more appropriate to ensure adequate oxygen levels.

Other options, such as intubation or providing intravenous fluids, may be necessary in specific scenarios but are not the first-line interventions solely based on the need for oxygenation in trauma cases. Also, administering intravenous fluids is important but does not directly address the immediate need for oxygen, which is why high flow oxygen takes precedence in the management of pregnant trauma patients.