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Blast bowel injury — RCPSC EM MCQ

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HardTraumaBlast bowel injuryRCPSC EM

A 39-year-old factory worker is near an explosion and presents with abdominal pain. He has ruptured tympanic membranes, mild tachycardia, and diffuse abdominal tenderness. FAST is negative, lactate is 3.2 mmol/L, and chest radiograph shows no pneumothorax. What is the most appropriate investigation?

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

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Correct answer: D — CT abdomen and pelvis with trauma surgery consultation

CT abdomen and pelvis with trauma surgery consultation is correct: the clues indicate Blast bowel injury and this option addresses the immediate ED priority. The distractors delay care, target a less likely problem, or are unsafe in this physiology.

Reference: ATLS; blast injury emergency practice