NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamTraumaMedium
A 40-year-old male presents with severe abdominal pain after being struck in the abdomen with a baseball bat. He is pale, diaphoretic, and his vital signs are BP 90/60 mmHg, HR 120 bpm, RR 24 breaths/min. Your PRIMARY concern is:
- APeritonitis
- BInternal bleeding
- CMuscular contusion
- DEvisceration
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Internal bleeding
The patient's mechanism of injury (blunt abdominal trauma), signs of shock (tachycardia, hypotension, pallor, diaphoresis), and severe abdominal pain strongly suggest significant internal bleeding, which is a life-threatening emergency.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, usually from organ rupture, which could be a consequence of internal bleeding but is not the primary concern for immediate life threat.
- C. Muscular contusion would cause pain but is unlikely to lead to signs of shock (hypotension, tachycardia) as seen in this patient.
- D. Evisceration involves organs protruding through an open wound, which is not described and is less common with blunt trauma.
Blunt Abdominal Trauma
Injury to the abdomen caused by a non-penetrating force, often leading to internal organ damage and significant internal bleeding.
- Commonly results in internal bleeding and shock.
- Signs can be subtle initially.
- High index of suspicion needed due to potential for severe hidden injuries.
Memory trick: Blunt Trauma: Look for Hidden Blood!