In the case of a patient suspected of having a splenic injury, what symptom should the nurse closely monitor?

When evaluating a patient suspected of having a splenic injury, closely monitoring hypotension is critical. Splenic injuries can lead to significant internal bleeding due to the spleen's rich vascular supply. When bleeding occurs, it can cause hypovolemic shock, which is characterized by a drop in blood pressure. Hypotension can indicate that the body is not maintaining adequate perfusion to vital organs, which is a life-threatening situation requiring immediate intervention.

While other symptoms such as decreased urine output, increased heart rate, and abdominal rigidity can also be relevant in the context of trauma and potential splenic injury, hypotension serves as a more direct and critical sign of the patient's hemodynamic status. It signifies that the patient may be experiencing severe blood loss, potentially necessitating urgent surgical intervention or fluid resuscitation. Therefore, monitoring blood pressure and identifying hypotension as a symptom can help guide immediate and appropriate therapeutic measures in managing the patient's condition.