A 4-year-old has a blunt abdominal injury after falling from a height. The child is pale, restless, and has increasing abdominal distension, but there is no visible external bleeding. Which action has priority?

Correct answer: A. Keep the child supine, provide oxygen, and urgently alert the trauma team

  • A. Keep the child supine, provide oxygen, and urgently alert the trauma team
  • B. Give oral fluids because internal bleeding is not visible
  • C. Apply firm pressure directly over the swollen abdomen
  • D. Encourage walking to assess whether the abdominal pain improves

Explanation

Pallor, restlessness, and abdominal distension after trauma may indicate concealed internal haemorrhage, so circulation support and urgent trauma assessment are required. Oral fluids, abdominal pressure, and walking may worsen the condition or delay definitive treatment.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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