Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Hypovolemic shock is most likely to occur with fractures of the?

1. Spine

2. Pelvis

3. Femur

4. Humerus

The correct answer is: Pelvis

Hypovolemic shock is a condition characterized by a significant loss of blood volume, leading to decreased perfusion of organs. Among the options provided, fractures of the pelvis are particularly associated with a high risk of hypovolemic shock. This is due to the pelvic region containing major blood vessels, including the internal iliac arteries, which can be severely damaged in pelvic fractures. Pelvic fractures can cause both external bleeding and internal bleeding into the pelvic cavity, which can lead to substantial blood loss. Due to the anatomy and the presence of large vascular structures in the pelvic area, the potential for significant hemorrhage in cases of pelvic fractures is greater when compared to fractures of the spine, femur, or humerus. Other fractures may cause pain and localized damage, but the pelvic area is critical in terms of vascular supply and risk of massive bleeding. While fractures of the femur can also lead to significant blood loss, the overall incidence and volume of blood loss tend to be greater with pelvic fractures. The potential for life-threatening hypovolemic shock makes it vital for healthcare providers to assess and manage pelvic fractures promptly and thoroughly.