Penetrating and blunt abdominal trauma.

This article is an overview of abdominal trauma relating to both penetrating and blunt mechanisms of injury. The incidence of abdominal injuries is discussed. Illustrated through case studies are interventions and treatment applicable to nursing practice. General principles of abdominal assessment are included. Anatomy and physiology of the different organ systems, as well as complications, is briefly overviewed. Differences between solid and hollow organs are reviewed. Pearls and pitfalls that impact nursing practice are presented for specific injuries.