Penetrating Abdominal Injury
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
A penetrating, or piercing, abdominal injury may tear, puncture, or damage an organ. These injuries may cause internal bleeding.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.
- You cough up blood.
Return to the emergency department if:
- You have a fast heartbeat.
- You have severe pain in your abdomen.
- Your abdomen is more swollen and firm.
- You are urinating little or none at all.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- Your wound is red, swollen, and draining pus.
- Your pain does not go away, or it gets worse, even after treatment.
- You feel dizzy or are vomiting.
- You have trouble urinating.
- You have blood in your urine.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Medicines can help decrease pain or prevent or treat a bacterial infection.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Rest
when you feel it is needed. Slowly start to do more each day. Return to your daily activities as directed.
Care for your wound
as directed. Check the wound each day for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. If you have bandages, put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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