Question

A 30-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after a high-speed motor vehicle collision. He is hypotensive with BP 80/40 mmHg, tachycardic and has a distended abdomen. FAST ultrasound shows free fluid in the abdomen. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Immediate transfer to theatre for laparotomy

Answer

Urgent CT abdomen with contrast

Answer

Give 1 L of 5% dextrose rapidly

Answer

Observation and serial examinations

Answer

Administer high-dose steroids

Practice question

A 30-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after a high-speed motor vehicle collision. He is hypotensive with BP 80/40 mmHg, tachycardic and has a distended abdomen. FAST ultrasound shows free fluid in the abdomen. What is the most appropriate next step?