A client with pelvic fractures is at risk for which changes in vital signs?

In the case of pelvic fractures, patients often experience significant blood loss due to potential injuries to the pelvic vessels. The loss of blood volume can lead to decreased blood pressure, resulting in hypotension. To compensate for this drop in blood pressure, the body typically increases the heart rate, leading to tachycardia. This physiological response is a critical mechanism to maintain adequate perfusion and oxygen delivery to vital organs.

In contrast, other choices either suggest normal vital signs or combinations of vital signs that are not typically associated with pelvic fractures. For instance, bradycardia and hypertension would not align with the body’s compensatory responses following significant trauma and blood loss. Rapid respiration with elevated blood pressure might suggest a different underlying issue unrelated to the specific circumstances of pelvic fracture injuries. Thus, hypotension and tachycardia are the expected vital sign changes in this situation, making them the correct answer.