Abdominal distension is best described as:

• A. A swollen abdomen suggesting bleeding or air
• B. Pain on release of pressure (peritoneal irritation)
• C. Organs protruding through an abdominal wound
• D. Pulsating abdominal mass

Answer: (A)

Abdominal distension means the abdomen appears enlarged or swollen because something inside is taking up space, most commonly blood or air in the abdominal cavity. This swollen appearance points to potential intra-abdominal injury, such as internal bleeding or gas from a perforated bowel, making it a critical sign in trauma assessment. The description “a swollen abdomen suggesting bleeding or air” directly matches that meaning.

Other signs describe different problems: rebound tenderness is pain upon releasing pressure, signaling peritoneal irritation rather than the size of the abdomen; protruding organs through a wound describe evisceration; a pulsating abdominal mass suggests a vascular issue like an aneurysm, not general distension.