Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse (CCTN) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a serious condition that can develop after blunt abdominal injuries, particularly in trauma patients. ACS occurs when increased intra-abdominal pressure compromises the functionality of visceral organs and blood flow. This pressure can lead to ischemia and dysfunction of abdominal organs, including the intestines, liver, and kidneys.

In the context of organ donation, ACS can lead to multi-organ failure due to diminished perfusion and oxygenation of critical abdominal organs. As organ function deteriorates, the chances of successful transplantation significantly decrease. Additionally, the systemic effects of ACS may lead to cardiopulmonary arrest, whereby multiple systems in the body fail as a result of the compromised state.

Therefore, the likelihood of developing multi-organ failure and experiencing cardiopulmonary arrest is a recognized and serious consequence of ACS in trauma patients, thereby impacting the viability of the donor organs for transplantation.