Hypovolemic shock is most likely to occur with fractures of which area?

Hypovolemic shock can occur when there is significant blood loss, and fractures in certain areas of the body are more likely to result in such complications. Fractures of the pelvis can cause substantial blood loss because the pelvis is heavily vascularized, containing numerous blood vessels, especially the internal iliac arteries. When the pelvis is fractured, these vessels can be lacerated or torn, leading to severe hemorrhage.

In contrast, while fractures of the spine, femur, and humerus can also result in bleeding, they typically do not result in the same degree of blood loss as pelvic fractures. The femur can lead to bleeding, particularly in cases of open fractures or significant muscle injury, but the risk is comparatively lower than with pelvic fractures. Spinal fractures may cause neurological deficits but generally do not lead to significant hemorrhage unless there is direct injury to a major vessel. Similarly, fractures of the humerus are less likely to compromise vascular structures to the same extent, making them less associated with hypovolemic shock.

Therefore, the area most likely to lead to hypovolemic shock when fractured is the pelvis due to the potential for extensive vascular damage and significant blood loss.