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Abdominal Injury
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An abdominal area lies below the rib cage and above the pelvic cavity. This area is not protected by bones and so injuries can easily occur to the stomach, liver, spleen, or intestines. An abdominal injury can cause severe internal bleeding which may result in death. If the injury penetrates the skin, this may cause exposure of internal organs which can dry out and/or become damaged. Any severe injury should be checked out by a medical professional.

Symptoms

Steps
1   If a serious injury has occurred call 911 or take the person to the nearest emergency room.
2   Reassure the person, check for shock (signs include cold and clammy skin, pallor, and/or a weak pulse).
3   Lay the person comfortably on their back.
4   Bend the person’s legs at the knees and place a pillow, rolled towel, blanket, or clothing under their knees to relax the abdominal muscles
5   Apply direct pressure to the abdominal wound to control bleeding
6   If abdominal contents are exposed cover the entire wound with a moist sterile non-stick pad or clothing.
7   Apply an adhesive to hold the pad, or apply gentle pressure with a bandage.
8   Monitor the person's breathing and circulation.
9   Wait for emergency medical help to arrive.
Warnings
DO NOT push intestines back in place if they are sticking out of the wound, instead use a dampen pad with sterile water at body temp and place it over the intestine
DO NOT bandage too tightly
DO NOT give person anything to eat or drink as the stomach will undergo surgery and will need to be empty
Tips
The abdomen is soft and applying pressure can decrease or stop internal bleeding

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