A 74-year-old female is complaining of abdominal pain after falling down five stairs and hitting her abdomen and left hand on a mailbox at the bottom. She also states pain to her left wrist and right ankle, both of which show obvious deformity. She is alert and oriented, and her abdomen is free of bruising but is tender to the left upper and lower quadrants. Her vital signs are: pulse 132, respirations 22, blood pressure 106/86, and SpO₂ at 93%. Oxygen has been applied, and she is fully immobilized. Advanced life support has been requested and is 12 minutes away. What is your next action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient has multiple injuries with obvious deformity and signs of internal injury. She is also tachycardic and hypoxic. Immediate transport to a higher level of care is necessary for further assessment and treatment. Applying ice or immobilizing her ankle and wrist can be done during transport or at the hospital. Monitoring alone is not sufficient as she needs definitive care as soon as possible.

A 74-Year-Old Female Is Complaining of Abdominal Pain After Falling