Question

A 32-year-old man is brought in after a high-speed road traffic accident with hypotension and abdominal distension. FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) is positive. According to ATLS guidelines, what is the next best step?

Accepted Answer

Exploratory laparotomy

Answer

CT abdomen with contrast immediately

Answer

Diagnostic peritoneal lavage

Answer

Focused further ultrasound assessment

Answer

Immediate laparoscopic evaluation

Practice question

A 32-year-old man is brought in after a high-speed road traffic accident with hypotension and abdominal distension. FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) is positive. According to ATLS guidelines, what is the next best step?