title: Difficult diagnoses in blunt thoracoabdominal trauma.
abstract: Blunt trauma to the abdomen presents a diagnostic challenge for even the most experienced emergency nurse. Isolated injury to the esophagus, diaphragm, duodenum, or pancreas is indeed rare and, more important, seemingly minor trauma to this region can increase the risk of severe morbidity if these injuries remain undetected. A high index of suspicion and continuous, systematic assessment of the abdomen offer the most effective means of preventing the consequences of delay in diagnosis to any of these organs.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Andrews
mesh_terms: D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing*; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing*