What can physical assessment reveal in a patient with an abdominal injury?

In a patient with an abdominal injury, physical assessment can reveal signs of peritonitis, which is a critical condition indicating irritation or inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. The presence of guarding—where the patient tenses their abdominal muscles in response to pain—and rebound tenderness—where pain is felt upon the release of pressure after palpating an area of tenderness—are both classic indicators of peritonitis. These findings suggest a more serious underlying issue, such as an abdominal organ injury or bleeding, which necessitates further evaluation and intervention.

The other choices, while potentially observable, do not directly relate to the abdominal area or the specific assessment of peritoneal irritation. For example, rib fractures may be assessed, but they do not specifically reveal information about the state of the abdomen or peritoneum. Muscle spasms in the back can occur due to various causes but are not indicative of abdominal injury itself. Skin lacerations around the abdomen might indicate trauma, but they may not provide insight into internal injuries or peritoneal inflammation without accompanying signs like guarding or rebound tenderness. Thus, the identification of these peritoneal signs is critical in assessing a patient with suspected abdominal injuries.