You Are Assessing an Assault Victim and Note a Contusion

Multiple Choice

You are assessing an assault victim and note a contusion over the abdomen. Which of the following should you remember while caring for this patient?

A) Unless the contusion is over a critical area, such as the spleen or liver, the likelihood of serious injury is minimal.
B) A contusion to the abdomen should always increase your index of suspicion for underlying injury.
C) If there is no rigidity or distension of the abdomen, serious injury is unlikely.
D) The significance of the trauma is related to the amount of pain the patient experiences on palpation.