How much blood loss into the tissue may occur from a fractured femur in an adult patient?

When considering the potential blood loss from a fractured femur in an adult patient, the correct assessment indicates that a loss of approximately 1000-2000 mL is typical. This range is relevant as it reflects the significant vascular supply that is associated with the femur, which can lead to extensive bleeding into the surrounding tissues or into the fracture site itself.

In severe cases of femur fractures, such as those characterized by high-energy trauma, there may be substantial disruption of both the surrounding soft tissues and the blood vessels. This can result in notable hemorrhage, affecting overall blood volume and potentially leading to hypovolemic shock if not promptly recognized and managed. Understanding this risk is critical for first responders and healthcare providers in the field to ensure appropriate stabilization and fluid resuscitation are performed to mitigate the complications associated with such injuries.

This knowledge emphasizes the importance of rapid assessment and intervention for traumatic injuries, particularly for long bones like the femur which are prone to significant blood loss.