How should a pelvis be examined during a head-to-toe assessment?

The pelvis should be examined by pressing in and then down on the iliac crests. This technique allows a rescuer to evaluate for tenderness, instability, or fractures effectively. By applying pressure to the iliac crests, which are the most prominent bones on either side of the pelvis, a more comprehensive assessment of potential injuries can be made. If there is any pain or crepitus felt during this maneuver, it may indicate a pelvic fracture or other serious injury.

Examining the pelvis in this manner is crucial, especially in trauma situations, because pelvic injuries can lead to significant internal bleeding and other complications. Identifying tenderness or instability early can help in making critical decisions regarding transportation and treatment options for the injured person.

The other approaches, although they might seem relevant, do not provide the same level of assessment detail or may mislead the provider about the presence of pelvic injuries. Simply pulling away from the body or only palpating the lower abdomen would neglect crucial areas of assessment and might miss significant issues. Assessing for tenderness by shaking the pelvis could potentially worsen any existing injuries and is not a standard or safe procedure in a head-to-toe assessment.