Final answer:
A broken pelvis can indeed cause severe internal bleeding due to torn blood vessels. Hematoma formation and the death of bone cells deprived of nutrients can occur. In the elderly, immobility from a hip fracture can lead to further serious complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Can a broken pelvis cause severe internal bleeding? The answer is that it certainly can. When the pelvis is fractured, it can lead to internal bleeding because blood vessels in the bone may tear and hemorrhage. This results in the formation of a hematoma, which is clotted blood at the site of the break. The clotting process works to seal the severed blood vessels, but it also means that bone cells deprived of nutrients begin to die.
For elderly individuals, the consequences of a hip fracture can extend beyond the break itself. Immobility during the healing process can lead to severe complications, such as the formation of blood clots that might travel to the lungs, causing respiratory failure. Other risks include pneumonia, pressure sores, and urinary tract infections, which all arise from the lack of mobility and the associated interventions like catheterization.