During recovery from a hip fracture, prolonged immobility in an older patient most increases the risk of which complication?

During recovery from a hip fracture, prolonged immobility in an older patient most increases the risk of which complication?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hypovolemia
• C. Atelectasis
• D. Embolism

Answer: (D)

Prolonged immobility after a hip fracture promotes venous stasis in the legs, which, along with age-related changes in coagulation and potential vascular injury from the fracture, increases the likelihood of deep vein thrombosis forming. If a clot grows and breaks loose, it can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. This embolic complication is the most direct and serious risk associated with extended immobilization in an older patient recovering from a hip fracture. While atelectasis can occur with limited movement due to shallow breathing, the clotting and embolism risk is the primary concern here. Hypertension and hypovolemia are not the main issues driven by immobility in this context.

Prolonged immobility after a hip fracture promotes venous stasis in the legs, which, along with age-related changes in coagulation and potential vascular injury from the fracture, increases the likelihood of deep vein thrombosis forming. If a clot grows and breaks loose, it can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. This embolic complication is the most direct and serious risk associated with extended immobilization in an older patient recovering from a hip fracture. While atelectasis can occur with limited movement due to shallow breathing, the clotting and embolism risk is the primary concern here. Hypertension and hypovolemia are not the main issues driven by immobility in this context.