A patient enters the ED with severe trauma to the abdomen.The ED physician is concerned about bleeding in the abdomen with associated possible free intra-abdominal air.The patient is unable to stand or sit erect.Which position best demonstrates the condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lateral decubitus position is the best position for assessing free intra-abdominal air and identifying bleeding in the abdomen. This position allows the fluid or air to accumulate in the dependent part of the abdomen and is useful for identifying small quantities of fluid or air that may not be visible in other positions. The supine, dorsal decubitus, and ventral decubitus positions are not as useful for this purpose.

A Patient Enters the ED with Severe Trauma to the Abdomen.The