Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

When assessing a patient with blunt abdominal trauma, how is the severity of internal bleeding BEST determined?

1. Measuring vital signs

2. Observing for external bleeding

3. Monitoring for signs of shock

4. Checking for abdominal rigidity

The correct answer is: Monitoring for signs of shock

When assessing a patient with blunt abdominal trauma, monitoring for signs of shock is crucial in determining the severity of internal bleeding. Shock can occur as a result of significant internal bleeding, where the body is unable to maintain adequate perfusion to vital organs. Signs of shock may include altered mental status, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, pale or clammy skin, and rapid, shallow breathing. These signs indicate the body's compensatory mechanisms in response to decreased blood volume and can provide insight into the degree of internal hemorrhage. While measuring vital signs, observing for external bleeding, and checking for abdominal rigidity can all contribute valuable information during the assessment, they may not directly reflect the severity of internal bleeding as effectively as monitoring for signs of shock. Vital signs can be misleading, as some individuals may maintain normal vitals despite significant internal blood loss, while external bleeding may not always be present in cases of internal injuries. Checking for abdominal rigidity can indicate peritoneal irritation, but it does not provide a comprehensive view of the patient's hemodynamic status. Therefore, monitoring for signs of shock is the best approach to assess the severity of internal bleeding in this context.