A pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle is awake but hypotensive after resuscitation. What should be the priority intervention?

A pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle is awake but hypotensive after resuscitation. What should be the priority intervention?

• A. Administer blood transfusions
• B. Apply a pelvic binder
• C. Initiate continuous monitoring
• D. Perform a CT scan

Answer: (B)

When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle and presents with hypotension despite resuscitation, applying a pelvic binder is a priority intervention because it addresses potential hemorrhagic shock due to a pelvic fracture. In traumatic scenarios, injuries to the pelvis can lead to significant blood loss as the pelvis is a large vascular area. By applying a pelvic binder, the binder helps to mechanically stabilize the pelvis, decrease the volume of the pelvis, and reduce potential blood loss by compressing the vessels that may be bleeding. This intervention is crucial in preventing further complications associated with hypovolemic shock. It is a quick and effective method that can be implemented in pre-hospital and emergency settings to stabilize the patient. After stabilization with a pelvic binder, further assessments and interventions such as blood transfusions, continuous monitoring, or imaging studies like a CT scan can proceed as necessary based on the patient's evolving condition.

When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle and presents with hypotension despite resuscitation, applying a pelvic binder is a priority intervention because it addresses potential hemorrhagic shock due to a pelvic fracture. In traumatic scenarios, injuries to the pelvis can lead to significant blood loss as the pelvis is a large vascular area. By applying a pelvic binder, the binder helps to mechanically stabilize the pelvis, decrease the volume of the pelvis, and reduce potential blood loss by compressing the vessels that may be bleeding.

This intervention is crucial in preventing further complications associated with hypovolemic shock. It is a quick and effective method that can be implemented in pre-hospital and emergency settings to stabilize the patient. After stabilization with a pelvic binder, further assessments and interventions such as blood transfusions, continuous monitoring, or imaging studies like a CT scan can proceed as necessary based on the patient's evolving condition.