Final answer:
Non-operative management includes monitoring the patient without surgery and implementing conservative measures. Operative management occurs when conservative management fails or in severe cases of abdominal trauma.
Step-by-step explanation:
Non-operative management, also known as conservative management, is a treatment approach in abdominal trauma that involves closely monitoring the patient's condition without resorting to surgery. This management includes measures such as pain management, fluid resuscitation, blood transfusion, and close observation of vital signs and imaging studies. It is usually preferred for stable patients with non-life-threatening injuries, such as mild to moderate liver or spleen injuries.
Operative management, on the other hand, involves surgical intervention to address severe abdominal trauma or when non-operative management fails. This may include exploratory laparotomy (opening and examination of the abdominal cavity) to identify and repair internal injuries, removal of damaged organs, control of bleeding, and other necessary procedures to stabilize the patient.