A patient is brought to the emergency department after being involved in a motor vehicle crash

Question

Which assessment would indicate to the nurse that FAST examination will likely be necessary? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. 1. Ecchymoses over the abdomen
2. Complaint of neck pain
3. Report of head-on crash in which the patient was the restrained driver
4. Lower leg lacerations and fractures
5. Complaints of chest wall tenderness

Answer 1

1,3,5
Rationale 1: Ecchymoses over the abdomen indicate the potential for internal bleeding. A FAST examination can determine the presence of free fluid in the chest or abdomen, which would signify bleeding and the need for rapid intervention.
Rationale 2: Neck pain etiology would not be diagnosed with a FAST examination.
Rationale 3: Seat belt injury can cause internal bleeding, which would be diagnosed with a FAST examination.
Rationale 4: A FAST examination does not assess injury of the lower extremities.
Rationale 5: A FAST examination can reveal the presence of free fluid within the chest, which would signify bleeding and the need for rapid intervention.