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Hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture — ABEM Board MCQ

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HardTraumaHemodynamically unstable pelvic fractureABEM Board

A 36-year-old woman arrives as triage level 1 after a high-speed MVC. BP is 78/44 mm Hg, HR 142/min, pelvis is unstable, FAST is negative, and there is blood at the urethral meatus. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Apply a pelvic binder and initiate massive transfusion protocol

Unstable pelvic fracture with shock needs pelvic volume reduction and balanced blood-product resuscitation; urethral injury should be evaluated before catheterization.

Reference: ATLS principles; EAST pelvic fracture guidance