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How is an acute abdominal emergency managed
- The immediate management should begin with a careful assessment of the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation, particularly in an unstable patient. Intravascular access should be obtained and fluid resuscitation initiated with IV normal saline (20 mL/kg).
- Laboratory studies, including a blood glucose level, may be sent with blood obtained during the IV placement.
- Promptly administer broad-spectrum antibiotics, including anaerobic coverage, if there is a strong possibility of sepsis, and obtain surgical consultation as early as possible if there is a suspicion of a surgical emergency.
Sources
McCollough M, Sharieff GO: Abdominal surgical emergencies in infants and young children. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2003;21:909-935.
