Question

If a patient has a stab wound and is unstable with rebound tenderness and rigidity or evisceration, what is the most appropriate next step in management?

1) Perform a focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) exam
2) Administer intravenous fluids and blood products
3) Prepare for immediate surgical exploration
4) Obtain a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis

Answer 1

The most appropriate next step in management for a patient with a stab wound, instability, rebound tenderness, rigidity, or evisceration is to prepare for immediate surgical exploration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate next step in management for a patient with a stab wound, instability, rebound tenderness, rigidity, or evisceration is to prepare for immediate surgical exploration. These symptoms indicate a potentially serious intra-abdominal injury that requires urgent surgical intervention to assess and repair the damage. Other steps such as performing a FAST exam, administering fluids and blood products, or obtaining a CT scan may be part of the management plan, but immediate surgical exploration is the most crucial step.