Which statement regarding signs of intraabdominal injury is NOT true?

The statement regarding substantial intraabdominal hemorrhage always causing tenderness and rigidity is not true because it oversimplifies the presentation of intraabdominal injuries. While tenderness and rigidity are often associated with significant abdominal injuries, they are not absolute findings in every case, especially in instances of substantial hemorrhage. Some patients may not display overt signs of tenderness or rigidity due to factors such as nerve injury, unconsciousness, or the presence of intoxication, which can mask these symptoms. Recognizing that clinical signs can vary widely among patients is crucial in the assessment of potential intraabdominal injuries.

Intraabdominal injury presentations can be subtle, and reliance solely on tenderness and rigidity may lead to missed diagnoses. It’s essential to evaluate all available signs and symptoms, including changes in vital signs, patient history, and mechanisms of injury, to form a comprehensive assessment.

On the other hand, statements regarding visible bruising indicating internal injury and the impact of distance from the injury on symptom severity reflect more accurate principles in trauma assessment, as they recognize that visible external changes can often correspond to internal damage and that the location and severity of trauma can indeed influence the clinical picture presented by the patient.