Trauma-induced immune dysfunction: a challenge for critical care.

Multiply injured trauma patients present a major challenge for the critical care nurse. Should the patient survive the initial injuries, the third phase of mortality (five to seven days following injury) is sepsis. Research findings document a strong link between trauma and immune dysfunction. This article highlights the main immunological defects and underlying mechanisms for trauma-induced immune dysfunction. It provides the theoretical foundation that underlies the rationale for current and future immune-based therapy for trauma patients. Because of the complexity of caring for and preventing septic complications in the trauma patient, advanced practice nurses and nurse educators can use this material to update the knowledge and skills of critical care nurses.