Question

A 71-year-old female slipped on a rug and fell. She is conscious and alert and complains of severe pelvic pain. Her respirations are 22 breaths/min with adequate depth and her heart rate is 120 beats/min. Which of the following is NOT indicated for this patient?

1) Pelvic X-ray
2) CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis
3) Intravenous pain medication
4) Surgical consultation

Answer 1

A pelvic X-ray and CT scan are both appropriate to assess the extent of injuries in the 71-year-old patient with pelvic pain after a fall. Intravenous pain medication should be considered but may potentially mask symptoms. Surgical consultation is not immediately indicated without further diagnostic evidence.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the scenario where a 71-year-old female fell and complains of severe pelvic pain, certain medical actions are indicated to diagnose and manage her condition. Given her symptoms, a pelvic X-ray is appropriate to check for fractures. Additionally, a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is also indicated to provide a more detailed view of her internal structures and to rule out other possible injuries or pathologies.

Given the acute nature of her fall and severe pain, intravenous pain medication might be indicated to manage her discomfort. However, the immediate administration of such medication should be carefully considered against the need for a prompt and accurate diagnosis, as they may mask symptoms that are critical for diagnosis. Lastly, a surgical consultation may not be immediately indicated without further diagnostic information. Surgical intervention would be considered after confirming the nature and extent of her injuries through imaging studies.