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Abdominal Injury — History and Physical — Clinical Pathway: Emergency Department, Inpatient, and ICU

Blunt Abdominal Solid Organ Injury Clinical Pathway — Emergency Department, Inpatient and ICU

History and Physical

Review of history, physical exam, labs, and imaging may help clinicians determine need for further diagnostic imaging.

History
  • Mechanism of Injury (MOI)
    • High energy
    • Unrestrained or improperly restrained occupant in MVC
    • Pedestrian or bicyclist vs. Auto
    • Large distance falls
    • Blunt impact to abdomen, flank, back
  • Abdominal pain after injury
  • Emesis after injury
 
Physical Exam
  • Abdominal tenderness
    • Particularly diffuse or upper abdomen
  • Abdominal distention
  • Abdominal wall ecchymosis or abrasions (Including seat belt sign)
  • Hematuria
  • Distracting injury
  • GCS < 13 with concerning MOI
  • Signs of hemorrhagic shock
    • Tachycardia, poor perfusion
    • Waxing, waning mental status
    • Hypotension = Late sign
  • Increasing degrees of abdominal tenderness are associated with increased risk of injury
  • Limitation: Sensitivity of pain and tenderness decreases as GCS decreases

 

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