What must be assessed in a casualty with penetrating wounds of the abdomen if they are stable?

In a casualty with penetrating wounds of the abdomen who is stable, assessing the potential for late shock is crucial. This is because abdominal injuries, even if the patient appears stable initially, can lead to internal bleeding or injury to vital organs that may not become immediately apparent. Late shock can develop due to blood loss that may not be externally visible, as internal bleeding can occur without significant outward signs.

Monitoring for late shock allows for timely intervention before the patient’s condition deteriorates. It is essential to look for signs such as a drop in blood pressure, increased heart rate, or change in mental status, which can indicate that the casualty is starting to compensate for internal injuries.

The other options, while they may be considerations in a more comprehensive assessment, do not address the immediate concern of monitoring for deterioration in a stable patient with penetrating abdominal wounds.