In an adult patient, blood loss into the tissue from a fractured femur may be as much as which of the following?

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Multiple Choice

In an adult patient, blood loss into the tissue from a fractured femur may be as much as which of the following?

Massive concealed blood loss is a major risk with femoral fractures in adults. When the femur breaks, damage to the bone marrow and surrounding soft tissues releases a large amount of blood into the thigh compartments, much of which stays hidden rather than being immediately evident as external bleeding. Because of this internal bleeding, total blood loss can reach about 1 to 2 liters, making 1000–2000 mL the best estimate for the amount that can be lost into tissues from a single femur fracture. The lower ranges underestimate the potential for concealed hemorrhage, while extremely large losses (like 2500–5000 mL) are less likely from a single isolated femur fracture without other major injuries. In practice, recognize that substantial hidden blood loss can accompany long-bone fractures, underscoring the need for rapid assessment, high-flow oxygen, and swift transport to definitive care.

Massive concealed blood loss is a major risk with femoral fractures in adults. When the femur breaks, damage to the bone marrow and surrounding soft tissues releases a large amount of blood into the thigh compartments, much of which stays hidden rather than being immediately evident as external bleeding. Because of this internal bleeding, total blood loss can reach about 1 to 2 liters, making 1000–2000 mL the best estimate for the amount that can be lost into tissues from a single femur fracture. The lower ranges underestimate the potential for concealed hemorrhage, while extremely large losses (like 2500–5000 mL) are less likely from a single isolated femur fracture without other major injuries. In practice, recognize that substantial hidden blood loss can accompany long-bone fractures, underscoring the need for rapid assessment, high-flow oxygen, and swift transport to definitive care.

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