Your patient, a 23-year-old woman who is 6 months pregnant, was the unrestrained driver of a vehicle that rear-ended a parked car. The air bag deployed. Considering the likelihood of organ collision, for which of the following injuries should you maintain a high index of suspicion?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Abruptio placentae, or premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, is a potential complication in pregnant women who experience significant blunt trauma to the abdomen, such as from a motor vehicle collision. This can be potentially life-threatening to both the mother and the fetus, and should be considered a high-priority concern in any pregnant patient who has been involved in a severe accident. Therefore, a high index of suspicion should be maintained for this injury in this patient. While the other injuries listed (cardiac contusion, anterior flail segment, and fractured sternum) may also occur from the mechanism described, they are not as likely to be present or as critical to diagnose urgently in this specific patient population.

Your Patient, a 23-Year-Old Woman Who Is 6 Months Pregnant