Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

The presence of a 'seat belt sign', or ecchymosis across the abdomen after a vehicle collision, does raise suspicion for internal injury, including gastrointestinal trauma. However, the decision to proceed with exploratory laparotomy must be based on a comprehensive assessment, including patient hemodynamics, physical examination, and imaging studies. Not all patients with a 'seat belt sign' will require surgery, and some may be managed conservatively or undergo further diagnostic procedures such as CT scanning before surgical intervention is deemed necessary.