Questions and Answers
While en route to the scene of a young female who was kicked in the abdomen, what should you ask the dispatcher?
Is law enforcement at the scene?
When documenting a call involving a female patient who was sexually assaulted, what should the EMT do?
Avoid speculation and document only factual data.
If a man has a large laceration across his lower abdominal wall and a loop of bowel is protruding, what should you do?
Cover the exposed bowel with a moist sterile dressing and then secure it in place with a dry bandage.
What should you be MOST suspicious for if a football player has blood in his underwear after a right flank injury?
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What is the temporary wound channel caused by high-velocity weapons called?
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What is a sign of kidney damage following blunt trauma?
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Most of the ___ system lies behind the digestive tract.
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Damage to solid organs typically leads to _______.
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What should you do if an unresponsive trauma patient has a large open abdominal wound with massive external bleeding?
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Which statement regarding rebound tenderness is correct?
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What is the most common mechanism of injury in geriatric patients?
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What does management of evisceration injuries include?
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Appropriate treatment for a 40-year-old male with severe abdominal pain includes all of the following, EXCEPT:
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What should you do when assessing a 21-year-old female who struck a tree head-on and her airbag deployed?
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Which question would be MOST pertinent to ask a 66-year-old male with dark red rectal bleeding?
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Abdominal rigidity and periumbilical bruising are signs of what?
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Which of the following statements regarding trauma during pregnancy is correct?
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What typically causes compression injuries to the abdomen during a motor vehicle crash?
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If a 20-year-old male was accidentally shot in the right upper abdominal quadrant with an arrow, what should you assume?
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Which organ is at MOST risk for injury as the result of a pelvic fracture?
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Study Notes
Abdominal and Genitourinary Injuries Overview
- Always verify the presence of law enforcement when responding to potential violence incidents, such as domestic abuse.
- Document facts only, especially in sensitive cases like sexual assault, avoiding speculation.
Specific Injuries and Treatments
- For an abdominal wound with protruding bowel, cover with a moist sterile dressing secured by a dry bandage to prevent further injury.
- Suspect kidney injury in patients with flank trauma accompanied by hematuria (blood in urine) and point tenderness.
- Cavitation is the temporary wound channel created by high-velocity projectiles, which has clinical significance in trauma assessment.
Indicators of Organ Damage
- Hemorrhage typically follows damage to solid organs, signaling potential severe internal injuries.
- Rebound tenderness can indicate intra-abdominal injury and is often detected when the patient is jolted.
Trauma Mechanisms and Considerations
- Falls are the leading cause of injury in the elderly, necessitating careful assessment in geriatric patients.
- Management of evisceration focuses on keeping wounds moist and warm to prevent tissue damage.
Key Assessment Techniques
- Examine for rigid abdomen and periumbilical bruising as signs of internal bleeding.
- In cases where the airbag has deployed, inspect for steering wheel deformation which could indicate injury.
Patient Management
- For trauma patients exhibiting severe symptoms such as rapid pulse and cool skin, refrain from administering oral fluids; prioritize immediate transport and oxygen administration instead.
- Ask direct questions about recent abdominal trauma for patients presenting with unusual symptoms like rectal bleeding.
Special Considerations during Pregnancy
- Uterine trauma in pregnant patients poses a heightened risk for shock and severe bleeding, necessitating prompt evaluation and care.
Injury Assessment in Specific Situations
- Compression injuries in vehicle accidents commonly arise from improperly positioned lap belts.
- Superficial injuries, such as those from arrows, may still indicate deeper internal organ damage—assume potential injury until assessed.
Organs at Risk
- Pelvic fractures predominantly threaten the urinary bladder, emphasizing the need for thorough assessment in such cases.
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Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards on abdominal and genitourinary injuries. Cover situations involving trauma, documentation, and patient care protocols. Ideal for EMTs and medical professionals looking to reinforce their skills and understanding of these critical topics.
