Question
Which of the following statements regarding a patient of liver trauma are correct?
- Liver is the most common organ injured following abdominal trauma.
- Surgical exploration (laparotomy) is required in hemodynamically unstable patients and patients with free intraperitoneal fluid on FAST.
- Contrast-enhanced CT abdomen should be done in hemodynamically stable patients.
- Blunt injuries have a higher mortality as compared to penetrating injuries.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
| A. |
1, 2, and 3
|
| B. |
2, 3, and 4
|
| C. |
1, 3, and 4
|
| D. |
1, 2, and 4
|
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer » A
Explanation
|
|
| Statement |
Assessment |
Clinical Context / Evidence |
| 1: Liver is the most common organ injured following abdominal trauma. |
✅ True |
When evaluating all abdominal trauma (both blunt and penetrating), the liver is the most frequently injured intra-abdominal organ. However, in isolated blunt trauma, the spleen is the most commonly injured solid organ. |
| 2: Laparotomy is required in hemodynamically unstable patients and those with free fluid on FAST. |
✅ True |
Unstable vital signs and a positive FAST scan indicating free intraperitoneal fluid demand an immediate trip to the operating room for a trauma laparotomy. |
| 3: CECT abdomen should be done in hemodynamically stable patients. |
✅ True |
Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) is the gold standard for evaluating and grading hepatic trauma in hemodynamically stable patients, allowing for safe non-operative management. |
| 4: Blunt injuries have a higher mortality rate than penetrating injuries. |
❌ False |
Modern trauma data does not support this blanket statement. Penetrating injuries generally carry higher morbidity and mortality because they often cause major vascular damage and multi-visceral involvement, whereas most blunt liver injuries can be managed conservatively. |
