How Do You Assess The Seriousness Of An Abdominal Injury?
Abdominal injuries can be serious–even life threatening. An abdominal injury can be complicated because of the internal organs that are within the abdominal cavity. Here’s how to assess the seriousness. Protect yourself first. As in all emergency situations, the rescuer (you) needs to make sure it is safe to help the patient. After you make sure that the scene is safe for you to enter, you need to don your gloves, face mask and goggles. This will prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens (hepatitis and HIV viruses). Determine the method (cause) of the injury. Did your patient suffer a penetrating wound, such as a gun shot or stabbing? Did he suffer a blunt trauma, such as being hit, or hitting an object (think car accident or fall)? Did she suffer an evisceration (exposed or protuding internal organs)? Examine your patient for the following signs and symptoms: nausea, pain, cramping, guarding of the area (the patient may be curled up in the fetal position), deep cuts (lacerati
