Abdominal & Genitourinary Flashcards
(22 cards)
What are the two main types of abdominal trauma?
Blunt and penetrating trauma.
What is the most commonly injured organ in blunt abdominal trauma?
Spleen.
Why is abdominal trauma often difficult to assess?
Because initial signs can be subtle and physical findings may not correlate with severity.
What is the most common mechanism of blunt abdominal trauma?
Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs).
What are the four abdominal quadrants used for assessment?
Right upper, left upper, right lower, and left lower quadrants.
What are early signs of intra-abdominal bleeding?
Tachycardia, pallor, anxiety, and hypotension.
What is Cullen’s sign?
Bruising around the umbilicus, indicating retroperitoneal bleeding.
superficial oedema with bruising in the subcutaneous fatty tissue around the peri-umbilical region. This is also known as peri-umbilical ecchymosis. It is most often recognised as a result of haemorrhagic pancreatitis.
What is Grey-Turner’s sign?
Flank bruising, also suggestive of retroperitoneal hemorrhage.
What does abdominal distension suggest?
Possible internal bleeding or organ injury.
What is the first priority in managing abdominal trauma?
Airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs), with rapid control of hemorrhage.
What role does FAST ultrasound play?
It quickly identifies free fluid (likely blood) in the abdomen.
Should you delay transport for detailed abdominal assessment?
No, time to surgical intervention is critical—“load and go” if unstable.
What position should abdominal trauma patients be transported in?
Supine with spinal precautions, unless airway issues dictate otherwise.
What organs are involved in genitourinary trauma?
Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, and external genitalia.
What is the most commonly injured genitourinary organ in blunt trauma?
Kidneys.
What is a classic sign of urethral injury in males?
Blood at the urethral meatus (the external opening of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body)
What indicates a possible pelvic fracture with bladder injury?
Inability to void, hematuria, and lower abdominal tenderness.
What should you never do if urethral injury is suspected?
Never attempt to insert a Foley catheter.
What are key concerns with genital trauma?
Bleeding, infection risk, and psychological distress.
How is scrotal or testicular trauma managed prehospitally?
Support and apply cold compress; transport for surgical assessment.
What is the priority in female genital trauma?
Control bleeding and preserve tissue; avoid packing deep into the vagina.
