Abdominal compartment syndrome.

Abstract

TOPIC: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma. PURPOSE: To review the clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, and nursing management of patients with ACS. SOURCES: Published literature, case study. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma nurses play a key role in early identification and management of ACS. Priorities include knowledge of signs and symptoms, methods of measurement of ACS; specifics of wound care, psychosocial interventions, and key factors in discharge planning.