Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

Blunt force trauma to the lower abdomen is a significant mechanism of injury that can result in urethral trauma, especially in males due to the anatomical position of the urethra. One of the hallmark signs of a potential urethral injury is the presence of blood at the urethral meatus, commonly associated with an inability to void. It is essential to recognize this clinical presentation promptly to avoid further complications and to manage the patient appropriately. In female patients, urethral injuries are less common due to the shorter length and more protected positioning of the urethra, but still possible.