Which of the following injuries is considered the least severe?

Which of the following injuries is considered the least severe?

• A. Open fractures of a long bone
• B. An amputation of an extremity
• C. Nondisplaced pelvic fracture
• D. Multiple closed long bone fractures

Answer: (C)

A nondisplaced pelvic fracture is considered the least severe among these options because, despite being a fracture, it typically involves minimal displacement of the bone fragments. This means that the integrity of the bone is largely maintained, which often results in less immediate risk to the surrounding structures and lower overall complications compared to the other injuries listed. Injuries such as open fractures can expose the bone to the external environment, significantly increasing the risk of infection and complicating treatment. An amputation is a severe injury as it involves the loss of a body part, which can lead to substantial functional impairment and requires extensive medical intervention. Multiple closed long bone fractures indicate severe trauma that usually presents considerable risks in terms of blood loss, pain, and potentially long-term disability, as well as the necessity for surgery and rehabilitation. Thus, the nondisplaced pelvic fracture is likely to be managed conservatively with a focus on pain control and monitoring for any potential complications, making it the least severe choice in this scenario.

A nondisplaced pelvic fracture is considered the least severe among these options because, despite being a fracture, it typically involves minimal displacement of the bone fragments. This means that the integrity of the bone is largely maintained, which often results in less immediate risk to the surrounding structures and lower overall complications compared to the other injuries listed.

Injuries such as open fractures can expose the bone to the external environment, significantly increasing the risk of infection and complicating treatment. An amputation is a severe injury as it involves the loss of a body part, which can lead to substantial functional impairment and requires extensive medical intervention. Multiple closed long bone fractures indicate severe trauma that usually presents considerable risks in terms of blood loss, pain, and potentially long-term disability, as well as the necessity for surgery and rehabilitation.

Thus, the nondisplaced pelvic fracture is likely to be managed conservatively with a focus on pain control and monitoring for any potential complications, making it the least severe choice in this scenario.