Your patient is a 12-year-old boy who was accidentally shot with a handgun by a playmate. You note one gunshot wound to the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, but no exit wound. The patient is pale, with cool, mottled extremities. He is lethargic, has a heart rate of 140, a respiratory rate of 30, and a blood pressure of 92/60 mmHg. Which of the following can be said for certain about this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's clinical presentation, including cool, mottled extremities, lethargy, tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypotension, indicate decompensated shock. The lack of an exit wound suggests the bullet may still be inside the patient's body, which can lead to ongoing bleeding and further worsen his condition. Immediate intervention is necessary to save this patient's life.

Your Patient Is a 12-Year-Old Boy Who Was Accidentally Shot