A patient is brought to the emergency department with physical injuries sustained in a gang fight. The patient's blood pressure is 80/50 mmHg, with a pulse of 120 and thready
Which diagnostic test should the nurse expect to be performed to provide the fastest information?
1. sonogram
2. complete blood count
3. urinalysis
4. serum electrolyte levels
Correct Answer: 1
The focused assessment by sonography in trauma, or FAST, identifies blood in body cavities where it is not supposed to be. The primary focus is on the peritoneum. Because the patient was in a fight and has a low blood pressure and thready pulse, this diagnostic test would provide the fastest information. A complete blood count, urinalysis, and serum electrolyte levels would not provide the fastest information for this patient.
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