<prompt> Please answer with one of the option in the bracket. Write reasoning in between . Write answer in between .Q:A 24-year-old man presents to the emergency department after an altercation at a local bar. The patient was stabbed in the abdomen with a 6 inch kitchen knife in the epigastric region. His temperature is 97F 36.1C, blood pressure is 9768 mmHg, pulse is 127min, respirations are 19min, and oxygen saturation is 99 on room air. Physical exam is notable for the knife in the patients abdomen in the location where he was initially stabbed. The patient is started on blood products and IV fluids. Which of the following is the best next step in management?? A: CT scan of the abdomen, B: Diagnostic peritoneal lavage, C: Exploratory laparoscopy, D: Exploratory laparotomy, E: Focused assessment with sonography in trauma FAST exam,  <response>: This is a trauma case involving a stab wound to the abdomen. The key steps in managing this patient are to assess hemodynamic stability, look for signs of peritonitis, and determine if there is penetration into the abdominal cavity requiring surgical exploration. CT scan can miss intestinal injuries and takes time. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is invasive. Exploratory laparoscopy requires specialized skills and equipment. FAST exam is quick but may miss intestinal injuries. Exploratory laparotomy allows direct inspection of abdominal contents and is the definitive diagnostic and therapeutic step if peritonitis or hemodynamic instability are present.D: Exploratory laparotomy 