Which sign or symptom would MOST likely cause the EMT to mistake a head injury for an abdominal injury in a child?

Vomiting is a significant sign that can stem from various medical issues, including head injuries and abdominal conditions. In children, a head injury can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which may manifest as nausea and vomiting. This symptom could easily lead EMTs to suspect an abdominal issue, particularly if the child is unable to articulate their symptoms clearly or seems more distressed about their abdomen.

Children may be less able to express their feelings or discomfort accurately, leading to confusion about the source of their distress. Furthermore, vomitus can be suggestive of gastrointestinal issues such as gastroenteritis, which could mislead the EMT to consider an abdominal injury over a head injury. Thus, the presence of vomiting is particularly misleading and can result in an incorrect assessment focused on the abdomen rather than evaluating for a possible head injury.