A 42-year-old male has been stabbed in the abdomen. His airway is patent, and he is breathing 20 times per minute with good tidal volume. He has a rapid and weak pulse, and his skin is pale and diaphoretic. There is no significant external bleeding, but his abdomen is distended, and he guards when you palpate his belly. You should:

Question

A) classify him as unstable and initiate rapid transport.
B) have him sit upright on the gurney.
C) withhold oxygen until paramedics arrive.
D) delay transport until you can identify the exact cause of his shock symptoms.

Answer 1

A