Which finding would indicate kidney damage after blunt abdominal trauma?

• A. Absent bowel sounds
• B. Jaundice
• C. Hypertension
• D. Hematuria

Answer: (D)

Blood in the urine after blunt abdominal trauma is a direct clue that the kidneys may be injured. The kidneys are highly vascular, so a blunt blow can cause contusion or tearing of renal tissue or the collection system, leading to blood leaking into the urine. This can appear as visible blood (gross hematuria) or only on a urinalysis as microscopic red blood cells, but either way it points to renal involvement.

Absent bowel sounds would signal intestinal or peritoneal issues rather than kidney damage. Jaundice indicates liver or biliary problems, not the kidneys. Hypertension can arise from many factors in trauma and isn’t a specific sign of kidney injury in the acute setting. Therefore, the presence of hematuria is the finding that best indicates kidney damage after blunt trauma.