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    Ati Nurs 223 W26 Med Surg Proctored Exam 2
    Select All That Apply

    An emergency department nurse suspects a client sustained kidney trauma in a motor vehicle accident. Which findings are consistent with the nurse's suspicion? Select all that apply.

    Explanation & Rationale

    Rationale: A. Bruising in the flank area, known as Grey-Turner sign, is a classic indicator of retroperitoneal bleeding from kidney trauma. This physical sign occurs because bleeding from the injured kidney tracks along retroperitoneal tissues and presents as visible discoloration on the skin. Flank ecchymosis is a direct, local manifestation of kidney injury and should prompt further diagnostic evaluation such as imaging with a CT scan. B. Narrow pulse pressure, defined as a small difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressures, can indicate hypovolemia due to acute blood loss. The kidneys are highly vascular organs, and trauma can result in significant internal bleeding. A narrowing pulse pressure may accompany other signs of shock, such as tachycardia and pallor, reflecting inadequate circulating blood volume. C. Abdominal or flank distention may result from internal bleeding or hematoma formation in the retroperitoneal or peritoneal space. Distention indicates that blood or fluid has accumulated internally, potentially compromising nearby organs and necessitating rapid evaluation and stabilization. D. Wide pulse pressure is typically associated with conditions like aortic regurgitation, hyperthyroidism, or sepsis, rather than acute blood loss. Kidney trauma leading to hemorrhage usually causes hypotension and narrow pulse pressure, not widening. E. Dizziness in the context of trauma can indicate decreased perfusion to the brain due to blood loss. In kidney trauma, hemorrhage can lead to hypovolemia, which reduces cardiac output and causes symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or syncope.

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