Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question
The presence of seat belt sign following a high-impact vehicular collision universally necessitates exploratory laparotomy to rule out gastrointestinal injury.
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.
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What does a seat belt sign indicate in trauma patients?
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What factors influence the decision to perform exploratory laparotomy after a seat belt sign is present?
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What are some common non-surgical management options for patients with a seat belt sign?
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This question's topic:
BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) /
Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, Gynecology, and Obstetrical
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