Signs and symptoms of sudden illness do not include:
a. Changes in LOC
b. Nausea or vomiting.
c. Bruising or rigidness of the abdomen.
d. Loss of vision or blurred vision.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is c. Bruising or rigidness of the abdomen.
Explanation:
Sudden illnesses often present with a range of signs and symptoms that indicate a need for immediate medical attention. However, bruising or rigidness of the abdomen is not typically a direct indicator of a sudden illness itself, but rather could point to a specific, often more localized injury or condition, such as trauma or internal bleeding.
Let’s break down each option:
- a. Changes in LOC (Level of Consciousness): This is a common symptom of a sudden illness, especially in cases involving neurological events, such as strokes, seizures, or severe infections. Any sudden change in a person’s ability to stay alert, answer questions, or respond to stimuli can indicate a medical emergency. This could be due to decreased oxygen to the brain, brain injury, or other critical conditions.
- b. Nausea or vomiting: These symptoms are also often seen in cases of sudden illness, particularly with conditions affecting the gastrointestinal system, such as food poisoning, infections, or neurological causes like a brain injury or migraine. Nausea and vomiting can also occur in more serious conditions, including heart attacks and strokes.
- c. Bruising or rigidness of the abdomen: While these may indicate a serious condition, such as abdominal trauma or internal bleeding, they are not as common as symptoms of sudden illness like changes in LOC or nausea/vomiting. Rigid abdominal muscles or bruising are more often seen after an injury (e.g., blunt force trauma to the abdomen) or conditions like peritonitis, but these are generally not considered typical “sudden illnesses” like those caused by infections, neurological disorders, or cardiovascular events.
- d. Loss of vision or blurred vision: Vision changes can be a hallmark symptom of sudden illness, especially in conditions affecting the brain, eyes, or neurological system, such as stroke, diabetes (with rapid blood sugar changes), or severe migraines. Vision disturbances can also signal other urgent conditions like glaucoma or retinal detachment.
In summary, while bruising or rigidity of the abdomen may point to a serious medical issue, it is more indicative of injury-related or localized conditions rather than a typical sign of sudden illness.