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Blunt abdominal trauma with positive FAST — RCPSC EM MCQ

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HardTraumaBlunt abdominal trauma with positive FASTRCPSC EM

A 33-year-old woman is struck as a pedestrian. She is confused, blood pressure 70/40 mmHg, heart rate 146/min, FAST shows free fluid in Morrison pouch, and pelvic compression is stable. Two units of blood have been started. What is the most appropriate next step?

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Correct answer: E — Immediate laparotomy via trauma surgery

An unstable blunt trauma patient with a positive FAST has presumed intra-abdominal haemorrhage and needs operative haemorrhage control rather than CT.

Reference: ATLS; Canadian trauma systems guidance