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Blunt splenic injury — RCPSC EM MCQ

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HardTraumaBlunt splenic injuryRCPSC EM

A 24-year-old has left upper quadrant pain after a cycling crash. BP is 118/72 mmHg after 1 unit blood, lactate is 1.8 mmol/L, FAST is positive, and CT shows a grade III splenic laceration without contrast blush. What is the most appropriate disposition?

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

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Correct answer: A — Admit under trauma surgery for monitored non-operative management

Admit under trauma surgery for monitored non-operative management is correct: the clues indicate Blunt splenic 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 principles; Canadian trauma practice