The victim of a motor vehicle accident who was in shock is delivered to your trauma center by a rural ambulance service. On examination, his blood pressure is 80/60 mm Hg and he has an unstable pelvis. X-rays reveal a pelvic fracture. Chest x-ray is normal. FAST examination shows free fluid in the pelvis. There are no major extremity deformities noted. A sheet is wrapped around the pelvis. Which of the following statements is the best next step in the management of this patient?
A. Replacement of the sheet with a pelvic binder
B. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage
C. Angiography and embolization
E. Exploratory laparotomy
D. Open reduction and internal fixation of the pelvis
