A patient with a complex pelvic fracture from a motor vehicle crash is on bed rest. Which nursing assessment finding is important to report to the health care provider?
a. The patient states that the pelvis feels unstable.
b. Abdomen is distended and bowel sounds are absent.
c. There are ecchymoses across the abdomen and hips.
d. The patient complains of pelvic pain with palpation.
ANS: B
The abdominal distention and absent bowel sounds may be due to complications of pelvic fractures such as paralytic ileus or hemorrhage or trauma to the bladder, urethra, or colon. Pelvic instability, abdominal pain with palpation, and abdominal bruising would be expected with this type of injury.
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