What are the common signs of abdominal trauma?

Prepare for the Advanced ITLS Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The correct answer, which identifies bruising, distension, guarding, and rebound tenderness as common signs of abdominal trauma, is accurate because these symptoms are clinically significant indicators of potential underlying injury to abdominal organs.

Bruising may manifest externally as a result of blunt force trauma, while internal injuries can also lead to significant bleeding, which can present as abdominal distension. This swelling suggests that there may be a build-up of fluid or blood in the abdominal cavity, signaling severe injury that requires immediate medical attention.

Guarding, the involuntary tensing of the abdominal muscles, can occur when a person is experiencing pain or discomfort in response to palpation. This reflexive action is a protective mechanism where the body's natural response is to protect an area of injury.

Rebound tenderness is a specific sign that occurs when pressure is applied to the abdomen and then quickly released, causing pain when the pressure is released. This can indicate peritoneal irritation, often seen in cases of internal bleeding or organ perforation, which are critical findings in the context of abdominal trauma.

In contrast, the other options present symptoms that are not specific to abdominal trauma or do not accurately represent the signs you would typically assess in such cases. Therefore, the focus on bruising, distension

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