CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What should a radiographer assess in a patient suspected of abdominal hemorrhage?

1. Patient's nutritional status

2. Presence of pain relief

3. Signs of abdominal distention

4. Radiographic history

The correct answer is: Signs of abdominal distention

Assessing signs of abdominal distention is crucial in a patient suspected of abdominal hemorrhage because abdominal distention can indicate the presence of excess fluid or blood in the abdominal cavity. When there is hemorrhage, whether due to trauma, rupture of an organ, or other causes, blood may accumulate in the abdominal area, leading to swelling and distension. The physical examination may reveal visible swelling or a tense abdomen, which can provide immediate information about the severity of the condition. Moreover, abdominal distention may also alter the patient's baseline vital signs and can guide the urgency of further diagnostic imaging or intervention needed. Understanding the extent and cause of distention can help inform the radiographic approach, including which areas to focus on during imaging. In contrast, while assessing a patient’s nutritional status, presence of pain relief, and radiographic history can all be relevant in a broader clinical context, they do not provide immediate, direct insight into the acute condition of abdominal hemorrhage. These aspects may pertain to the patient's overall well-being or medical history but do not specifically inform the immediate assessment for hemorrhage-related complications as effectively as the assessment of abdominal distention does.