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One last thing - ABCDE's and secondary survey are all inclusive in this. A complete physical examination is crucial. Peritonitis is huge and an acute abdomen should never be ignored in the face of the penetrating injury to the abdomen.
The timing for the development of peritonitis can be delayed or immediate, but maintaining a high index of suspicion and a detailed evaluation of the stab wound, even local wound exploration to see if the anterior stab wound passed the facia cannot be underestimated. So, a strong consideration for wound exploration is important in any anterior abdominal stab wound especially without peritonitis to prove you do not have fascial penetration.
Penetration of the thoracoabdominal region or chest can be fraught with danger and is not currently advised in the ED. Consider a chest X-ray and chest tubes, even chest CT scans for even more detailed examinations.
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