Question

A 20-year-old man was kicked numerous times in the abdomen during an assault. His abdomen is rigid and tender, his heart rate is 120 beats/min, and his respirations are 30 breaths/min. You should treat this patient for:

A) a lacerated liver.
B) a ruptured spleen.
C) respiratory failure.
D) hypovolemic shock.

Answer 1

the answer to this question is D

Answer 2

The patient should be treated for hypovolemic shock, as indicated by his rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, and rigid, tender abdomen. This condition requires immediate medical attention with intravenous fluids and stabilization measures. The correct option is D.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient's symptoms, including a rigid and tender abdomen, a high heart rate of 120 beats/min, and rapid respirations at 30 breaths/min, suggest acute medical concerns that could involve internal bleeding and the possibility of hypovolemic shock.

Although the patient could have specific organ injuries like a lacerated liver or a ruptured spleen, the immediate treatment goal should focus on the generalized critical condition he presents - which is most suggestive of shock due to possible internal hemorrhage.

Particularly, the signs of a rapid heart rate and rapid, shallow breathing are consistent with hypovolemic shock, which commonly results from blood loss, thereby requiring prompt medical intervention, primarily intravenous fluids, and stabilization measures.