Question

A 27-year-old man sustains a blunt abdominal injury in a motor vehicle collision. He is hypotensive (BP 80/50 mm Hg), tachycardic and has a positive FAST (free fluid in abdomen). According to ATLS principles used in Canadian trauma care, what is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Take the patient immediately to the operating room for laparotomy.

Answer

Order CT abdomen with contrast to better define the injury.

Answer

Observe in the emergency department with serial examinations.

Answer

Discharge after fluids if blood pressure normalises.

Answer

Schedule elective laparotomy for the next morning.

Practice question

A 27-year-old man sustains a blunt abdominal injury in a motor vehicle collision. He is hypotensive (BP 80/50 mm Hg), tachycardic and has a positive FAST (free fluid in abdomen). According to ATLS principles used in Canadian trauma care, what is the most appropriate next step?