Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Trauma Practice Test

A patient involved in a high-speed collision is conscious but complains of severe abdominal pain. On inspection, you notice a large bruise across the lower abdomen. This sign is MOST indicative of:

1. Hemopneumothorax

2. Peritonitis

3. Pneumothorax

4. Seat belt injury

The correct answer is: Hemopneumothorax

The scenario described suggests a high-speed collision resulting in severe abdominal pain and a large bruise across the lower abdomen. This combination of symptoms and signs is most indicative of a serious condition known as peritonitis. Peritonitis is the inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, and is commonly caused by abdominal injuries that allow bacteria to enter the sterile abdominal cavity. In cases of trauma, such as from a high-speed collision, the presence of a large bruise and severe pain in the abdomen is concerning for significant internal injuries leading to peritonitis. Hemopneumothorax refers to the presence of blood and air in the pleural space around the lungs, usually due to trauma. Pneumothorax is the presence of air in the pleural space. While these conditions can also occur in a high-speed collision, the presence of severe abdominal pain and bruising makes peritonitis a more likely diagnosis in this case. Seat belt injury, on the other hand, typically presents with more diffuse findings across the chest and abdomen, rather than a focal bruise with severe pain in the lower abdomen.