Intraabdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in trauma: pathophysiology and interventions

Intraabdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome are increasingly recognized as potential complications in patients who have significant intraabdominal trauma. Intraabdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome affect all body systems, most notably the cardiac, respiratory, renal, and neurologic systems. This complication also affects blood flow to various intraabdominal organs and may play a significant role in the sepsis and multiple organ failure syndrome seen in many trauma patients. Nursing knowledge of the risk factors and clinical signs of intraabdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome can reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this syndrome.