Chapter 13 The child with abdominal injury

Question 1

Does the liver and spleen sit higher in the thoracic cavity or lower toward the abdominal cavity in children?
Why?

Answer 1

Lower. The diaphragm is more horizontal in children pushing them inferiorly

Question 2

During a deceleration injury (such as a car crash) what abdominal organs at most at risk of shearing or compression?

Answer 2

Fixed organs like duodenum and solid organs (liver, spleen)

Question 3

What organs are most at risk when the abdomen impacts on that handlebar of a bike?

Answer 3

Pancreas and duodenum.
They are fixed and compressed against the vertebral bodies

Question 4

How do children develop gastric dilation when in an emergency?

Answer 4

From crying and swallowing air
From supplemental O2 provided or manual ventilation

Question 5

What is the deadly triad in trauma that is responsible for the majority of deaths in trauma?

Answer 5

Hypothermia
Acidosis
Coagulopathy