Question

A 42-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after a high-speed motor vehicle collision. He is hypotensive with a positive FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) for intra-abdominal fluid. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Immediate exploratory laparotomy

Answer

CT scan of the abdomen with contrast

Answer

Diagnostic peritoneal lavage only

Answer

Observation in the emergency department with repeat FAST in 2 hours

Answer

Discharge with follow-up imaging

Practice question

A 42-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after a high-speed motor vehicle collision. He is hypotensive with a positive FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) for intra-abdominal fluid. What is the most appropriate next step in management?