Final answer:
A negative FAST scan in a patient with a pelvic fracture requires further evaluation, including consideration of the patient's stability, the mechanism of injury, and serial assessments. Additional imaging such as a CT scan may be necessary to rule out intra-abdominal injury or delayed hemorrhage.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) scan is negative in a patient with a pelvic fracture, it is essential to consider additional factors before excluding the possibility of intra-abdominal injury or bleeding. Although a negative FAST scan suggests there may not be free fluid (blood) in the abdomen, it is not foolproof.
Clinicians should consider the mechanism of injury, the patient's hemodynamic stability, and the presence of other injuries. If the patient's condition is unstable or there are other indications of internal injury, further imaging such as computed tomography (CT) scan may be warranted.
Moreover, serial physical examinations and monitoring of hemoglobin or hematocrit levels can aid in the ongoing assessment of the patient, as a delayed hemorrhage may not be initially apparent on FAST.