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Penetrating neck injuries are uncommon in children, and when they do occur, they can be a challenge to manage. Injuries can be cardiovascular, aerodigestive, and neurovascular. In the past, injuries were explored surgically to evaluate the extent of the injury; studies are now showing that observation and less invasive studies have a positive outcome for the patient. Immediate surgical intervention remains mandatory for the clinically unstable patient, whereas stable patients have studies done that pertain to their signs and symptoms, thus having a conservative nonoperative approach to care.

(C) 2007 Society of Trauma Nurses