During a trauma assessment, which sign indicates possible intra-abdominal bleeding?

During a trauma assessment, which sign indicates possible intra-abdominal bleeding?

• A. Rapidly decreasing heart rate
• B. Hyperactive bowel sounds
• C. Visible abdominal bruising
• D. Elevated blood pressure

Answer: (C)

Visible abdominal bruising is a significant indicator of possible intra-abdominal bleeding during a trauma assessment. Bruising, particularly in the abdominal area, suggests that trauma has occurred, which can lead to internal bleeding. This is particularly concerning because it can imply that vital organs, such as the liver or spleen, may have been damaged. Detecting visible bruising can guide further assessment and the need for imaging or surgical intervention. In contrast, rapidly decreasing heart rate typically indicates bradycardia, which is often not associated with intra-abdominal hemorrhage; rather, tachycardia is more common in hemorrhagic shock. Hyperactive bowel sounds can indicate increased peristalsis but are not a direct sign of intra-abdominal bleeding and may confuse the clinical picture. Elevated blood pressure is generally not associated with significant intra-abdominal bleeding—instead, it may remain normal or decrease as hemorrhagic shock progresses. Thus, visible abdominal bruising serves as a critical sign alerting providers to the potential for serious intra-abdominal injury and necessitates immediate further evaluation.

Visible abdominal bruising is a significant indicator of possible intra-abdominal bleeding during a trauma assessment. Bruising, particularly in the abdominal area, suggests that trauma has occurred, which can lead to internal bleeding. This is particularly concerning because it can imply that vital organs, such as the liver or spleen, may have been damaged. Detecting visible bruising can guide further assessment and the need for imaging or surgical intervention.

In contrast, rapidly decreasing heart rate typically indicates bradycardia, which is often not associated with intra-abdominal hemorrhage; rather, tachycardia is more common in hemorrhagic shock. Hyperactive bowel sounds can indicate increased peristalsis but are not a direct sign of intra-abdominal bleeding and may confuse the clinical picture. Elevated blood pressure is generally not associated with significant intra-abdominal bleeding—instead, it may remain normal or decrease as hemorrhagic shock progresses. Thus, visible abdominal bruising serves as a critical sign alerting providers to the potential for serious intra-abdominal injury and necessitates immediate further evaluation.