Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

The presence of visible organs protruding from the wound is a critical assessment finding that necessitates immediate surgical intervention. This situation indicates a potential evisceration, where internal organs have been displaced from their normal anatomical positions due to trauma. Such exposure not only raises concerns about the viability of the organs but also significantly increases the risk of infection and further complications, making urgent surgical repair essential to protect the organs and restore normal anatomy. In cases of abdominal injury, other findings such as bowel sounds may suggest that the intestines are functioning, but they do not indicate the severity of the injury requiring surgical repair. Motor function below the injury site might point to neurological concerns and could indicate spinal cord involvement, but it does not necessarily necessitate immediate surgery to address abdominal trauma directly. Localized swelling and bruising can indicate injury but do not correlate with the need for immediate surgical intervention unless accompanied by more severe findings like those presented in the correct answer.