Manifestations/Assessment Findings of Internal Abdominal Injuries

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Clinical Manifestations

-guarding and splinting of the abdominal wall (indicating peritonitis)

-a hard, distended abdomen (indicating intraabdominal bleeding) -

-decreased or absent bowel sounds contusions

-abrasions, or bruising over the abdomen

-abdominal pain

-pain over the scapula caused by irritation of the phrenic nerve by free blood in the abdomen

-hematemesis or hematuria and signs of hypovolemic shock 

-Ecchymosis around the umbilicus (Cullun’s sign) or flanks (Grey-Turner’s sign) may indicate retroperitoneal hemorrhage. 

Assessment Findings

-hypovolemic shock

-abrasions or ecchymoses on abdominal wall

-nausea/vomiting

-bloody urine

-abdominal distention

-abdominal rigidity

-abdominal pain with palpation

-rebound tenderness

-pain radiation to shoulder and back