Question

A 24-year-old man is brought to the ED after a high-impact motor vehicle collision. He is hypotensive (BP 80/50 mmHg) and tachycardic. FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma) is positive for free fluid in the abdomen. According to ATLS and NICE guidelines, what is the next best step?

Accepted Answer

Immediate laparotomy

Answer

Perform a diagnostic peritoneal lavage

Answer

CT scan of the abdomen with contrast

Answer

Administer IV fluids and observe

Answer

Pelvic X-ray to exclude fracture

Practice question

A 24-year-old man is brought to the ED after a high-impact motor vehicle collision. He is hypotensive (BP 80/50 mmHg) and tachycardic. FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma) is positive for free fluid in the abdomen. According to ATLS and NICE guidelines, what is the next best step?