Maxillofacial trauma.

Maxillofacial trauma runs the full gamut from minor discomfort to life-threatening injuries. Principles of airway management, adequate breathing, and circulation are paramount in the initial management. Health care professionals must anticipate problems based on a knowledge of anatomy and the pathophysiology of facial trauma and initiate treatment measures that decrease morbidity and mortality. Creative nursing approaches, based on a knowledge of physiologic needs and pathophysiologic consequences of facial trauma, are the keys in the convalescent phase as the patients struggle with alterated anatomy, sensory losses, and fear.