Penetrating torso trauma

Abstract

w s t t r. Calvin Brown: Today’s case is that of a 17-year-old outh who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) ith complaints of abdominal pain and difficulty breathng after sustaining knife stab wounds to the anterior bdominal and lower chest regions. The patient was ssaulted by an unknown assailant and reportedly had bdominal contents protruding through his abdominal all. The patient was found by Emergency Medical ervices (EMS) personnel to be awake, alert, and in bvious discomfort. Vital signs at the scene were: blood ressure 140/78 mm Hg, pulse 115 beats/min, and resirations 30 breaths/min. The patient was transported by MS without incident. Upon arrival in the ED the patient as combative and had one episode of blood-tinged mesis. The past medical history was significant only for sthma. The patient did not take any medications or have ny medication allergies. Is there any other information ou would like to know about the history? Dr. Alex Manini: Was there any further information bout the scene? Was there a lot of blood seen or was a eapon found? Dr. C. Brown: There was minimal blood loss at the cene and although the weapon was not found, the paient estimated a blade length of 5 inches. The initial vital igns in the ED were: blood pressure of 138/80 mm Hg, eart rate 120 beats/min, respiratory rate 32 breaths/min, nd oxygen saturation 91% on room air. The primary urvey revealed a patent airway and symmetric breath