Question

A restrained driver involved in a motor vehicle collision is brought to the emergency department with abdominal, pelvic, and bilateral lower extremity pain. Vital signs are BP 114/78 mm Hg, HR 98 beats/minute, RR 22 breaths/minute. A fast exam is negative for fluid in the abdominal and peritoneal cavities. Which of the following should the nurse anticipate?

a) Immediate surgery for abdominal injuries
b) Administration of pain medication only
c) Diagnostic imaging to assess internal injuries
d) Discharge with pain management instructions

Answer 1

The nurse should anticipate diagnostic imaging to assess internal injuries based on the restrained driver's symptoms and negative fast exam.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should anticipate c) Diagnostic imaging to assess internal injuries.

Given the restrained driver's symptoms of abdominal, pelvic, and bilateral lower extremity pain, along with vital signs within normal range, diagnostic imaging is necessary to assess for internal injuries. The negative fast exam indicates the absence of fluid in the abdominal and peritoneal cavities.

A negative fast exam does not rule out internal injuries, as some injuries may not result in immediate bleeding. Diagnostic imaging, such as CT scan or MRI, would provide a clearer picture of any potential injuries and guide the appropriate treatment plan.

Answer 2

The nurse should anticipate diagnostic imaging to assess for internal injuries in a patient with a negative FAST exam after a motor vehicle collision.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a restrained driver involved in a motor vehicle collision presents with abdominal, pelvic, and bilateral lower extremity pain but has a negative FAST exam, indicating no fluid in the abdominal or peritoneal cavities, the nurse should anticipate diagnostic imaging to assess for internal injuries. Immediate surgery would typically be indicated if there were signs of internal bleeding or organ damage which is not apparent in this case due to the negative FAST exam. Administration of pain medication only or discharge with pain management instructions may not be appropriate without first assessing the extent of the injuries through diagnostic imaging.