Trauma Studies for Paramedics Case Study 2022

Trauma Studies for Paramedics
Case Study Assessment
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Part B:
Penetrating abdominal trauma
Penetrating abdominal trauma refers to an injury occasioned by piecing of the
skin entering into the body. Penetrating objects often remain in the tissues and can
be associated with wound entrances and a larger exit wound. Penetrating trauma
can be caused by foreign objects, leading to serious medical emergency case and
damage the internal organs thus presenting with risks of shock and infection. Often
assessment entails the application of X-rays and CT scan. Management can entail
surgical process.
Abdominal penetrating trauma often arises from stabbings or accidents and can
be life-threatening on the internal organs especially those affecting the
retroperitoneal space which leads to profuse bleeding. Injury to the pancreas is
further exacerbated by its secretions in a process referred to as autodigestion. Liver
injury is often common due to its size and location, leading to increased shock risks
due to its delicate nature and elevated blood supply levels. Further, the intestines
occupying a larger portion of the stomach are prone to perforation (Hamm, Burlew &
Moore, 2017).
Persons presenting with penetrating trauma often exhibit signs of hypovolmeic
shock entailing low blood supply in the circulatory system and peritonitis linked to the
inflammation of the peritoneum. Penetration often decreases the bowel sounds due
to the incurring bleeding, irritation and infection and injuries to the blood supply
vessels. The occurrence of percussion can reveal hyper resonance. The further
abdomen can signify distention requiring urgent t surgery care (Ritter, Claridge & El-
Hayek, 2018).
Pre-hospital management
In penetrating abdominal trauma, most mortality trends occur due to
exsanguinations, often bleeding can be difficult to control and challenging. The initial
management is to minimize field time and transportation of patient for definitive care
is essential. Depending on the location, there is needed to decide on whether to use
air transport or ground movement based on the scene of the incidence.