Question

A 78-year-old woman has limited movement due to sustaining a hip fracture. In planning care for the patient, the nurse gives priority to the patient outcome of:

	a) an optimistic attitude about recovery
	b) minimal loss of muscle bulk
	c) no evidence of wound infection
	d) no evidence of skin breakdown

Answer 1

Now a days there is a increase in the incidence rate of fracture among old age people,So as a caregiver we should be very conscious and giving much importance while managing the patients who came with hip fracture mainly if they are in old age.Hip fractures are the most serious in terms of cost and morbidity.

Here in this case the patient is a 78 year old woman and has limited movement due to the sustaining hip fracture and while in the planning of the care of this patient as a nurse she should gives priority to the patient outcome of an optimistic attitude about recovery why because:

*Complications are more after a hip fracture among geriatrics such as blood clots,infection,skin break down and even pneumonia may occur due to the lengthy hospitalization

*Mortality rates after the hip fracture among geritrics are more

*If we are going for a surgery or an replacement procedure there may be a increased chance for the dislocation of prosthesis

*If there is fragility of bones the main complication after surgery is pulling of the screw of the implant

Recovery after surgery is more crucial.This is the period more complications may occur and more often lead to death if she already suffers from another serious medical condition.

As a nurse we have to educate the patient and family members regarding the all the outcomes and complications and should note regarding the importance of taking pain medications,maintaining of proper position of patient,mind relaxation techniques,importance of maintaining good communication with the patient or as needed assist the movements of the patient by a physical therapist.

Thus here the answer is option 'a'