Skip to main content

Menu

I have a symptom

I know the diagnosis

Orthopedic Injuries

Fractures & dislocations

Clinical calculators

Interpretation guide

Bedside ultrasound

Step-by-step guides

ACLS / PALS / NRP

Articles & updates

In-depth clinical reviews

I have a symptom

I know the diagnosis

Orthopedic Injuries

Fractures & dislocations

Clinical calculators

Interpretation guide

Bedside ultrasound

Step-by-step guides

ACLS / PALS / NRP

Articles & updates

In-depth clinical reviews

Menu

I have a symptom

I know the diagnosis

Orthopedic Injuries

Fractures & dislocations

Clinical calculators

Interpretation guide

Bedside ultrasound

Step-by-step guides

ACLS / PALS / NRP

Articles & updates

In-depth clinical reviews

Loading...

Blunt Abdominal Trauma Evaluation

Approach to Unresponsive Patient Approach to Airway Obstruction And Stridor Approach to Acute Respiratory Distress With Impending Failure Approach to Peri-arrest Hypotension Approach to Post Resuscitation Care After Rosc Approach to Cardiac Arrest Rhythms, Pea, Asystole Approach to Cardiac Arrest Rhythms, Vf, Pulseless Vt Approach to Severe Agitation With Safety Risk Approach to Procedural Sedation

Approach to Pacemaker And Icd Related Presentations Approach to Acute Limb Ischemia And Leg Pain Approach to Suspected Deep Vein Thrombosis Symptoms Approach to Hypertension Approach to Chest Pain Approach to Palpitations And Tachyarrhythmia Symptoms Approach to Bradycardia Symptoms Approach to Syncope And Presyncope Approach to Syncope With Neurologic Concern Approach to Unilateral Leg Swelling Approach to Bilateral Leg Swelling Approach to Calf Pain And Swelling

Approach to Wheezing, Undifferentiated Approach to Wheezing In Infants Approach to Stridor And Upper Airway Symptoms Approach to Dyspnea Approach to Aspiration Event Approach to Cough Approach to Hemoptysis Approach to Upper Respiratory Infection Symptoms Approach to Suspected Pulmonary Embolism Presentation Approach to Smoke Inhalation Concern Approach to Smoke Exposure And Inhalational Injury

Approach to Abdominal Distension Approach to Abdominal Pain, Undifferentiated Approach to Acute Abdominal Pain (general)Approach to Suspected Incarcerated Or Strangulated Hernia Approach to Pancreatitis Concern Approach to Biliary Colic And Cholecystitis Concern Approach to Appendicitis Concern Approach to Diverticulitis Concern Approach to Rectal Pain And Anorectal Complaints Approach to Dysphagia And Food Bolus Impaction Approach to Foreign Body Ingestion Approach to Refractory Vomiting And Recurrent Vomiting Syndromes Approach to Cannabis Associated Hyperemesis Approach to Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Symptoms (melena)Approach to Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding And Hematochezia Approach to Constipation And Obstipation Approach to Diarrhea Approach to Acute Hepatitis And Jaundice Concern Approach to Right Upper Quadrant Pain Approach to Epigastric Pain Approach to Left Upper Quadrant Pain Approach to Right Lower Quadrant Pain Approach to Left Lower Quadrant Pain Approach to Suprapubic Pain

Approach to Oliguria And Anuria Approach to Catheter Related Urinary Complaints Approach to Dialysis Patient Presentations Approach to Flank Pain And Renal Colic Concern Approach to Urinary Retention Approach to Hematuria Approach to Scrotal Pain

Approach to Transient Neurologic Deficits Approach to Acute Aphasia And Speech Disturbance Approach to Acute Confusion And Delirium Approach to Postictal State And Seizure Recurrence Concern Approach to Seizure Approach to Acute Vision Loss Approach to New Tremor And Involuntary Movements Approach to Headache Approach to Vertigo Approach to Acute Weakness Or Numbness Approach to Gait Instability And Ataxia

Approach to Atraumatic Back Pain Approach to Sciatica And Radicular Back Pain Approach to Back Pain With Neurologic Deficit, Cauda Equina Concern Approach to Back Pain With Fever Or Immunosuppression, Spinal Infection Concern Approach to Atraumatic Neck Pain Approach to Neck Pain After Trauma Approach to Neck Pain With Meningismus Concern Approach to Acute Torticollis

Approach to Vaginal Discharge Approach to Hyperemesis Gravidarum Concern Approach to Hypertensive Disorders Of Pregnancy Symptoms Approach to Postpartum Hemorrhage Concern Approach to Postpartum Infection Concern Approach to Sexual Assault Medical Evaluation Overview Approach to Pelvic Pain Approach to Vaginal Bleeding, Nonpregnant Approach to Vaginal Bleeding In Pregnancy Approach to Pelvic Pain In Pregnancy Approach to Post Procedure Or Post Abortion Complications Concern

Approach to Fever In The Immunocompromised Patient Approach to Fever With Rash Approach to Animal Bites And Rabies Risk Assessment Approach to Tick Exposure And Tick Borne Illness Concern Approach to Sepsis Concern Without Clear Source Approach to Soft Tissue Infection Concern Approach to Abscess And Skin Infection Concern Approach to Sore Throat Approach to Sore Throat And Pharyngitis Symptoms Approach to Meningitis Approach to Envenomation And Bites

Approach to Pruritus Without Rash Approach to Contact Dermatitis And Eczema Flare Approach to Herpes Zoster Concern Approach to Drug Eruption Concern And Severe Cutaneous Reaction Red Flags Approach to Urticaria Approach to Angioedema Concern Approach to Unexplained Bruising Or Bleeding Symptoms

Approach to Shoulder Pain Approach to Elbow Pain Approach to Wrist Pain Approach to Hand Pain Approach to Hip Pain Approach to Knee Pain Approach to Ankle Pain Approach to Foot Pain Approach to Cast Or Splint Complication Symptoms Approach to Wound Check And Suture Related Visits Approach to Joint Swelling And Monoarthritis Approach to Suspected Septic Joint Presentation Approach to Suspected Tendon Rupture Presentation Approach to Limp Or Refusal To Bear Weight

Approach to Motor Vehicle Collision Evaluation Approach to Chest Wall Trauma And Rib Injury Approach to Blunt Abdominal Trauma Evaluation Approach to Penetrating Trauma Evaluation Approach to Pediatric Minor Head Trauma Approach to Pediatric Head Trauma Approach to Facial Lacerations And Dental Trauma Approach to Hand Lacerations With Tendon Injury Concern Approach to Puncture Wounds And Retained Foreign Body Concern Approach to Electrical Injury Approach to Burn Injury Approach to Fall Evaluation Approach to Assault And Interpersonal Violence Evaluation Approach to Eye Trauma And Hyphema Concern

Approach to Dysphagia And Odynophagia Approach to Throat Pain Approach to Ear Pain Approach to Foreign Body In Ear Or Nose Approach to Vision Loss Complaint Approach to Flashes And Floaters Approach to Atraumatic Eye Pain Approach to Red Eye Approach to Dental Abscess Concern Approach to Post Extraction Pain And Complications

Approach to Hyperglycemia Approach to Hypoglycemia Approach to Hyponatremia Symptoms Approach to Hyperkalemia Symptoms Approach to Hypokalemia Symptoms Approach to Rhabdomyolysis Concern Approach to Anticoagulation Related Abnormal Coagulation Studies Approach to Acute Kidney Injury And Elevated Creatinine Referral Approach to Symptomatic Anemia Concern

Approach to Undifferentiated Overdose Approach to Opioid Toxicity Approach to Opioid Withdrawal Approach to Alcohol Intoxication Approach to Alcohol Withdrawal Approach to Stimulant Toxicity Approach to Pediatric Ingestion Approach to Carbon Monoxide Exposure Approach to Inhalational Or Chemical Exposure Approach to Suicidal Ideation And Self Harm Risk Assessment Approach to Acute Psychosis And Mania Symptoms Approach to Anxiety And Panic Symptoms Approach to Capacity Assessment And Safe Disposition Approach to Behavioral Escalation And Restraint Considerations

Approach to Fever In The Neonate And Young Infant Approach to Pediatric Fever By Age 0 To 28 Days Approach to Pediatric Fever By Age 29 To 60 Days Approach to Pediatric Fever By Age 2 To 24 Months Approach to Pediatric Respiratory Distress Approach to Croup And Stridor In Children Approach to Pediatric Dehydration Approach to Pediatric Abdominal Pain Approach to Febrile Seizure Approach to Rash In The Child Approach to Poor Feeding And Lethargy In The Infant Approach to Vomiting In The Child Approach to Diarrhea In The Child Approach to Pediatric Trauma Evaluation Approach to Brief Resolved Unexplained Event In The Infant And Apparent Life Threatening Event Concern Approach to Lethargy And Altered Mental Status In The Child

Approach to Heat Illness Approach to Hypothermia And Cold Exposure Approach to Frostbite Concern Approach to Drowning And Submersion Injury

Blunt Abdominal Trauma Evaluation

Clinical Assessment Checklist

Browse categories and answer follow-up questions to refine your symptom profile.

History

Mechanism and context

Mechanism and context

Blunt mechanism

Motor vehicle collision

Pedestrian struck

Fall

Assault

Sport injury

Energy transfer

High speed impact

Rollover

Ejection

Death in same vehicle

Significant vehicle intrusion

Restraints and surfaces

Seatbelt use

Airbag deployment

Steering wheel impact

Handlebar injury

Timeline

Time of injury

Symptom trajectory since injury

Prehospital course

Reported hypotension

Reported tachycardia

Fluids

Blood products

Analgesia or sedation

Symptoms and OPQRST

Symptoms and OPQRST

Pain features when present

Location

Migration

Radiation

OPQRST

Onset

Immediate after impact

Delayed onset

Provocation and palliation

Worse with movement

Worse with deep breath

Relief with stillness

Quality

Sharp

Dull

Cramping

Region and radiation

Diffuse abdominal

Flank

Shoulder tip pain

Severity

Current severity

Peak severity

Timing

Constant

Intermittent

Progressive

Associated symptoms

Syncope or near syncope

Dyspnea

Chest pain

Nausea

Vomiting

Hematemesis

Hematochezia

Melena

Hematuria

Dysuria

Inability to void

Back pain

Headache

Confusion

Special populations and modifiers

Special populations and modifiers

Pregnancy considerations

Last menstrual period estimate

Pregnancy symptoms

Pediatrics

Nonverbal pain cues

Caregiver report reliability

Older adults

Baseline cognition

Frailty and baseline function

Anticoagulation and bleeding risk

Warfarin

DOAC

Antiplatelet agents

Intoxication and unreliable exam risk

Alcohol

Sedatives

Head injury symptoms

Alarm Features

Hemodynamic and perfusion danger thresholds

Hemodynamic and perfusion danger thresholds

Shock physiology

Systolic blood pressure under 90 mmHg

Heart rate over 120

Shock index over 0.9

Altered mental status not otherwise explained

Cool clammy skin

Capillary refill delayed

Immediate escalation triggers

Persistent hypotension after fluid bolus

Increasing vasopressor requirement

Rapidly rising lactate

Ongoing transfusion requirement

High risk history and exam findings

High risk history and exam findings

High risk mechanisms

High speed collision

Rollover

Ejection

Significant fall height

High risk abdominal findings

Peritonitis

Rebound tenderness

Guarding

Abdominal distension with instability

External markers of risk

Seatbelt sign

Abdominal wall ecchymosis

Lower rib fractures

Pelvic instability

Unreliable examination

Intoxication

Altered mental status

Spinal cord injury

Distracting injuries

Medications

Current medication exposure

Current medication exposure

Bleeding risk medications

Warfarin

Apixaban

Rivaroxaban

Dabigatran

Edoxaban

Aspirin

Clopidogrel

Ticagrelor

Chronic disease medications relevant to shock

Beta blockers

Calcium channel blockers

Diuretics

Substance exposures

Alcohol

Opioids

Stimulants

Contraindications and interaction traps

Contraindications and interaction traps

Analgesia cautions

NSAID use with bleeding risk

Opioid related hypoventilation risk

Imaging contrast cautions

Prior contrast reaction history

Significant renal dysfunction history

Anticoagulant reversal relevance

Last dose timing estimate

Availability of specific reversal agents local protocol dependent

Diet

Recent intake and aspiration risk

Recent intake and aspiration risk

Last oral intake timing estimate

Solid food

Liquids

Vomiting risk

Active nausea

Active emesis

Hydration and alcohol exposure

Hydration and alcohol exposure

Dehydration indicators

Poor oral intake

Reduced urine output

Alcohol exposure

Recent intake

Intoxication affecting exam reliability

Review of Systems

Cardiopulmonary and neurologic

Cardiopulmonary and neurologic

Cardiopulmonary

Dyspnea

Pleuritic chest pain

Palpitations

Syncope

Neurologic

Headache

Confusion

Focal weakness

Seizure

Gastrointestinal and genitourinary

Gastrointestinal and genitourinary

Gastrointestinal bleeding

Hematemesis

Melena

Hematochezia

Hepatobiliary and pancreas clues

RUQ pain

Epigastric pain

Genitourinary

Hematuria

Flank pain

Inability to void

Testicular pain

Gynecologic

Vaginal bleeding

Pelvic pain

Collateral History and Family History

Collateral sources and reliability

Collateral sources and reliability

Source

EMS report

Bystander

Family

Police

Reliability modifiers

Intoxication

Language barrier

Baseline cognitive impairment

Family and social context

Family and social context

Family bleeding disorders

Hemophilia

Von Willebrand disease

Social supports for discharge reliability

Supervision available

Ability to return if worse

Risk Factors

Patient factors increasing missed injury risk

Patient factors increasing missed injury risk

Unreliable exam risk

Altered mental status

Intoxication

Distracting injuries

Bleeding risk

Anticoagulation

Antiplatelet therapy

Chronic liver disease

Immunocompromise and infection risk

Steroids

Chemotherapy

HIV

Exposure and injury pattern risks

Exposure and injury pattern risks

Seatbelt sign risk pattern

Hollow viscus injury

Mesenteric injury

Lower rib fracture risk pattern

Splenic injury

Hepatic injury

Pelvic trauma risk pattern

Retroperitoneal hemorrhage

Bladder injury

High energy deceleration risk pattern

Aortic injury

Solid organ laceration

Differential Diagnosis

Life threatening

Life threatening

Hemorrhagic shock from intraabdominal bleeding

Solid organ injury

Splenic laceration

Hepatic laceration

Renal injury

Mesenteric vascular injury

Rapid lactate rise

Persistent tachycardia

Hollow viscus perforation

Peritonitis

Delayed presentation possible

Retroperitoneal hemorrhage

Pelvic fracture association

Flank ecchymosis association

Abdominal compartment syndrome

Rising airway pressures

Worsening ventilation

Oliguria

Traumatic aortic injury

High energy deceleration

Chest findings coexisting

Common

Common

Abdominal wall contusion

Localized tenderness

Normal imaging

Splenic injury

LUQ tenderness

Left shoulder tip pain

Liver injury

RUQ tenderness

Transaminitis

Renal contusion or laceration

Flank pain

Hematuria

Musculoskeletal pain

Rib fracture pain overlap

Spine injury overlap

Less common and mimics

Less common and mimics

Pancreatic injury

Epigastric pain

Delayed enzyme rise possible

Bladder rupture

Gross hematuria

Suprapubic pain

Urethral injury

Blood at meatus

High riding prostate

Nontraumatic mimics uncovered by trauma

Ruptured ectopic pregnancy (O00)

Positive pregnancy test

Pelvic pain

Abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture (I71.3)

Older age

Back or abdominal pain

Past Medical History

Relevant baseline conditions

Relevant baseline conditions

Bleeding and clotting history

Prior major bleeding

Prior VTE

Liver disease

Cirrhosis (K74.60)

Portal hypertension history

Kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (N18.9)

Solitary kidney history

Cardiopulmonary disease

Coronary artery disease (I25.10)

Heart failure (I50.9)

Prior procedures and devices

Prior procedures and devices

Abdominal surgery

Adhesion risk

Altered anatomy

Transplant history

Immunosuppression

Graft injury considerations

Implanted devices

IVC filter

Ventricular assist device

Physical Exam

Primary survey focused findings

Primary survey focused findings

Airway and breathing

Work of breathing

Asymmetric breath sounds

Circulation and perfusion

Pulse quality

Skin temperature

Capillary refill

Disability

GCS trend

Pupils

Exposure

Full skin exam for bruising

Seatbelt sign

Abdominal and pelvic exam

Abdominal and pelvic exam

Abdomen

Distension

Tenderness localization

Guarding

Rebound tenderness

Rigidity

Peritoneal signs

Worsening with percussion

Pain with heel jar

Flanks and back

Flank tenderness

Flank ecchymosis

Pelvis

Pelvic stability

Pelvic tenderness

Genitourinary and rectal when indicated

Genitourinary and rectal when indicated

External genital exam

Blood at urethral meatus

Scrotal hematoma

Rectal exam selective

Gross blood

Prostate position

Neurovascular lower extremities

Distal pulses

Sensation changes

Lab Studies

Initial trauma labs

Initial trauma labs

CBC

Baseline hemoglobin trend importance

Leukocytosis nonspecific

Electrolytes and renal function

Creatinine for contrast planning

Potassium abnormalities in shock

Liver enzymes

Transaminitis as solid organ injury clue

Normal values do not exclude injury

Coagulation studies

INR

aPTT

Type and screen

Crossmatch if unstable

Massive transfusion activation local protocol dependent

Perfusion and bleeding assessment adjuncts

Perfusion and bleeding assessment adjuncts

Lactate

Elevated suggests hypoperfusion

Trend more useful than single value

Venous blood gas

Metabolic acidosis clue

pCO2 for ventilation adequacy

Thromboelastography local protocol dependent

Coagulopathy phenotype

Targeted blood component therapy

Pregnancy and urinary testing

Pregnancy and urinary testing

Pregnancy test in patients with uterus of childbearing potential

CT imaging implications

Ectopic pregnancy mimic risk

Urinalysis

Microscopic hematuria

Gross hematuria

Creatine kinase when crush or rhabdomyolysis risk

Hyperkalemia risk

Acute kidney injury risk

Imaging

Scoring Systems

Scoring systems and classifications

AAST Organ Injury Scale

Spleen liver kidney 2018 revision

Radiologic criteria incorporated

Renal trauma OIS revision

2025 version availability

Use for urology communication

WSES splenic trauma classification

Integrates hemodynamics and anatomy

Guides nonoperative management pathways

Shock index

Over 0.9 higher risk of occult hemorrhage

Beta blocker use may blunt tachycardia

MRI

MRI considerations

Limited role in acute blunt abdominal trauma

Hemodynamically stable only

Alternative when CT contraindicated selective

Pregnancy selective use

Noncontrast protocols preferred

Gadolinium avoidance unless essential

Biliary and pancreatic duct evaluation selective

MRCP for suspected duct injury

Often delayed or inpatient pathway

CT

CT abdomen pelvis with IV contrast

Indications

Hemodynamically stable with concerning mechanism or exam

Unreliable exam

Positive FAST in stable patient

Protocol pearls

IV contrast preferred for solid organ and vascular injury

Oral contrast not routine in initial trauma pathways

Key findings

Active contrast extravasation

Solid organ laceration grade

Free fluid without solid organ injury

Pneumoperitoneum

Mesenteric hematoma

Limitations and pitfalls

Hollow viscus injury may be missed early

Serial exam and repeat imaging when worsening

Evidence notes

EAST guideline archived notes CT sensitivity 92 to 97.6 percent

EAST guideline archived notes CT specificity up to 98.7 percent

Ultrasound

Ultrasound and FAST

FAST protocol

RUQ view

LUQ view

Pelvic view

Pericardial view

Interpretation pearls

Positive FAST in unstable suggests hemorrhage source

Small volume hemoperitoneum can be missed

False negatives and false positives

Early bleeding below detection threshold

Obesity and subcutaneous air limit views

Extended FAST adjunct

Pleural fluid

Pneumothorax findings

Special Tests

Bedside and procedural diagnostics

Bedside and procedural diagnostics

Serial abdominal exams

Repeat after analgesia

Repeat after resuscitation

Repeat FAST

Worsening vitals

Increasing abdominal distension

Diagnostic peritoneal aspiration or lavage selective

Unstable with equivocal FAST

Positive result supports operative management

Genitourinary injury evaluation

Genitourinary injury evaluation

Retrograde urethrogram indication

Blood at meatus

Perineal hematoma

CT cystography indication

Gross hematuria with pelvic fracture

Inability to void with pelvic trauma

Foley catheter cautions

Defer until urethral injury excluded when high suspicion

Urology involvement when uncertain

ECG

When ECG is relevant in blunt abdominal trauma

When ECG is relevant in blunt abdominal trauma

Shock or syncope

Arrhythmia screen

Ischemia screen

Chest pain or significant thoracoabdominal trauma

Myocardial contusion consideration

Concurrent ACS consideration in older adults

High risk ECG patterns and actions

High risk ECG patterns and actions

STEMI patterns

Immediate reperfusion pathway

Coordinate with trauma priorities

Wide complex tachycardia

Unstable cardioversion pathway

Electrolyte causes evaluation

Bradycardia with hypotension

High grade AV block

Pacing pathway local protocol dependent

Assessment

Problem representation and severity

Problem representation and severity

Blunt abdominal trauma with suspected intraabdominal injury (S39.91XA)

Hemodynamic status classification

Exam reliability classification

Hemorrhage risk stratification

Unstable

Transient responder

Stable

Complications to exclude

Ongoing hemorrhage

Hollow viscus injury

Retroperitoneal bleed

Abdominal compartment syndrome

Working diagnoses with supporting features

Working diagnoses with supporting features

Solid organ injury suspected

LUQ or RUQ tenderness

FAST positive

Hollow viscus injury suspected

Seatbelt sign

Peritonitis

Free fluid without solid organ injury on CT

Genitourinary injury suspected

Hematuria

Pelvic fracture

Plan

Approach to the critical patient

Approach to the critical patient

First 5 minutes workflow

Resuscitation bay criteria

Hypotension

Altered mental status

Respiratory distress

Monitoring

Cardiac monitor

Continuous pulse oximetry

Noninvasive blood pressure cycling

IV access

Two large bore peripheral IV

Intraosseous if IV access delayed

Labs and blood

Type and screen

Crossmatch if unstable

Imaging priority

FAST early

CT only if stable

Hemorrhage control and transfusion

Massive transfusion protocol activation local protocol dependent

Balanced blood products local protocol dependent

Calcium replacement during large volume transfusion local protocol dependent

TXA consideration

Suspected major hemorrhage within 3 hours

Contraindications local protocol dependent

Diagnostic sequencing

Diagnostic sequencing

Hemodynamically unstable pathway

FAST first line

Immediate surgical consultation

OR if positive FAST with instability

Hemodynamically stable pathway

CT abdomen pelvis with IV contrast when concern persists

Observation with serial exams when low risk and reliable exam

Unreliable exam pathway

CT favored when stable

FAST plus CT complementary when indicated

Analgesia and supportive care

Analgesia and supportive care

Pain control principles

Avoid masking peritonitis concern via reassessment loop

Reassess exam after analgesia

Adult dose examples

Fentanyl IV 25 to 50 micrograms

Repeat every 5 to 10 minutes to effect

Caution in hypoventilation risk

Hydromorphone IV 0.2 to 0.5 mg

Repeat every 10 to 15 minutes to effect

Reduce dose in older adults

Acetaminophen PO 1000 mg

Maximum 4000 mg per day

Lower maximum in chronic liver disease

Antiemetic adult dose examples

Ondansetron IV 4 mg

Repeat once if needed

QT prolongation risk

Reassessment loop

Reassessment loop

Timing

Every 15 minutes in unstable or borderline

Every 30 to 60 minutes in stable observation

What to repeat

Vitals and shock index

Abdominal exam

Mental status

Urine output when catheterized

Escalation triggers

New peritonitis

Rising lactate

Increasing transfusion requirement

Worsening pain despite stable imaging

Disposition

ICU and operative criteria

ICU and operative criteria

Immediate OR criteria

Hemodynamic instability with positive FAST

Peritonitis

Evisceration

ICU criteria

Ongoing vasopressor need

Ongoing transfusion requirement

Severe solid organ injury with high grade bleeding risk

Severe traumatic brain injury with concurrent abdominal injury

Admission and observation criteria

Admission and observation criteria

Inpatient admission criteria

Solid organ injury requiring monitoring

Concern for delayed hollow viscus injury

Significant comorbid bleeding risk

Observation pathway criteria

Stable vitals

Reliable serial exam capability

Pain controlled

Discharge criteria

Hemodynamically stable

Reliable exam

No concerning imaging findings

Ambulation acceptable

Reliable return precautions and supervision

Discharge Instructions

Copy discharge instructions

Copy discharge instructions

Summary

You were evaluated after a blow to the abdomen

Your tests today did not show a dangerous internal injury

Medications

Use acetaminophen as directed on the label unless told otherwise

Avoid alcohol if using pain medicines that cause drowsiness

Avoid NSAIDs if you were told you have bleeding risk or are on blood thinners

Activity

Rest for 24 hours

No contact sports until cleared by a clinician if you had any organ injury concern

Follow up

Primary care or clinic follow up within 24 to 72 hours

Earlier follow up if pain is worsening

Return to the emergency department now for

Fainting

New or worsening shortness of breath

New or worsening abdominal pain

Vomiting that does not stop

Blood in vomit

Black stools

Red blood in stool

Blood in urine

New confusion

Weakness

Fever

References

Guidelines and key sources

Guidelines and key sources

Project instructions source

American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma ATLS program information 2025

EAST Practice Management Guidelines Blunt Abdominal Trauma Evaluation 2001 archived

WSES Splenic trauma classification and guidelines 2017

AAST Organ Injury Scale spleen liver kidney revision 2018

AAST Organ Injury Scale renal trauma revision 2025

Medical Disclaimer

SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.

Last Reviewed: February 24, 2026 by SymptomDX Medical Team

SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.

← Clinical Approaches

Home Clinical ApproachesBlunt Abdominal Trauma Evaluation