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Blunt abdominal trauma — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyPre-Hospital Trauma ManagementBlunt abdominal traumaDipIMC

A 17-year-old motorcyclist has abdominal pain and shoulder-tip pain after striking handlebars. He is tachycardic, pale and has no external bleeding. What is the most appropriate transport decision?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Pre-alert and transport directly to a major trauma centre if within network protocol

Blunt abdominal trauma with shock features suggests intra-abdominal bleeding and needs a major trauma pathway. Oral fluids are inappropriate in possible operative injury and may increase aspiration risk. Observation in a low-acuity unit is unsafe because haemorrhage can be occult. The pearl is that normal external inspection does not exclude major internal bleeding.

Reference: NICE Major Trauma NG39; JRCALC Guidelines 2025