Final answer:
Splenic trauma management involves stabilizing the patient, identifying symptoms such as Kehr's sign for diagnosis, preventing significant blood loss by providing appropriate fluids or blood, and using universal donor blood in critical situations when the patient's blood type is unknown.
Step-by-step explanation:
Management of splenic trauma due to blunt abdominal injury involves several critical steps. In the case of a ruptured spleen, blood spills into the abdominopelvic cavity, putting pressure on the diaphragm which lies directly above the spleen. This can produce Kehr's sign, characterized by referred pain in areas corresponding to the diaphragm rather than the spleen itself.
In scenarios such as those described in Figure 24.4.9, where fluid accumulation suggests damage to internal organs such as the liver and blood vessels due to infection, immediate medical intervention is required. If there is a significant risk of blood loss (at least 500ml or 7ml/kg in children), ensuring appropriate access for intravenous fluids or blood products is crucial.
Moreover, in emergency situations like severe traumatic injuries from a motor vehicle accident as depicted in paragraph 38 where the patient's blood type cannot be confirmed, universal donor blood type O negative is typically transfused to minimize the risk of an immunological reaction.