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Pregnant major trauma — RCPSC EM MCQ

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HardTraumaPregnant major traumaRCPSC EM

A 29-year-old woman at 28 weeks' gestation is in a high-speed MVC. She has abdominal pain, seatbelt bruising, blood pressure 92/54 mmHg, and FAST is equivocal. Fetal heart rate is 170/min. The trauma surgeon requests CT chest-abdomen-pelvis. What is the most appropriate next step?

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Correct answer: B — Proceed with indicated CT imaging while continuing maternal resuscitation

Maternal stabilization is the priority in pregnant trauma, and clinically indicated CT should not be withheld when serious maternal injury is suspected. Fetal assessment continues in parallel.

Reference: CETARS/CAR Practice Guideline on Imaging the Pregnant Trauma Patient; ATLS