Which physical finding strongly suggests a pelvic fracture?

• A. Pelvic instability
• B. Absent capillary refill
• C. Clear lungs
• D. Normal gait

Answer: (A)

Pelvic instability is the best clue because a pelvic fracture disrupts the pelvic ring, causing the pelvis to become unstable. In the field, you assess this by gently compressing or stabilizing the iliac crests and looking for abnormal movement, widening, or a step-off. If the pelvis moves or there is a clear inability to maintain stability under gentle pressure, that strong movement signifies a disrupted ring consistent with a fracture. The other findings don’t directly indicate a pelvic fracture: absent capillary refill points to overall perfusion status, not the pelvis; clear lungs tell you nothing about pelvic injury; and a normal gait is unlikely with a pelvic fracture and doesn’t specifically indicate one.