ATLS Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Guide for Exam Preparation

In cases of pelvic fractures, suspected injuries to the bladder and ureters are particularly relevant because the pelvis houses the lower urinary tract, including these organs. Pelvic fractures often result in significant trauma to the surrounding structures, making urinary tract injuries fairly common in these scenarios. The bladder can be injured directly due to the fracture or as a result of the violent mechanism that caused the fracture.

Ureteral injuries may also occur due to the displacement of bony fragments or due to direct trauma. The mechanism of injury associated with pelvic fractures, such as falls from a height or high-energy impacts (e.g., motor vehicle collisions), can lead to both blunt and penetrating injuries to the pelvic organs. Therefore, any signs of hematuria (blood in urine) or pelvic organ dysfunction should raise suspicion for these types of injuries in the context of pelvic fractures.

The other options, while they each represent potential injuries in traumatic situations, are not as directly associated with pelvic fractures as injuries to the bladder and ureters are. The kidneys and liver, for instance, are generally located higher in the abdomen and are more likely to sustain injuries related to abdominal trauma rather than isolated pelvic injuries. Thus, recognizing bladder and ureteral injuries in the context of pelvic fractures