Question

Len, an elderly man is bedridden after a hip fracture. He complains of pain and swelling his his legs. What is his diagnosis and what life-threatening complication could develop?

Answer 1

Answer: the diagnosis is thrombophlebitis.

The life-threatening complication which could develop if left untreated is deeper venous thrombosis

Explanation:thrombophlebitis is defined as an inflammatory process that causes a blood clot to form and block one or more veins, usually in the legs. Symptoms includes Pain (area affected),Skin redness,Edema (ankle and foot),Cord-like veins and tenderness (leg).

thrombophlebitis can lead to deeper venous thrombosis, this can then dislodge, traveling through the heart and occluding the dense capillary network of the lungs This is a pulmonary embolism which can be life-threatening to the affected individual. I hope this helps. Thanks.

Answer 2

The elderly man is likely suffering from Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) after getting bedridden as a result of hip fracture. The life threatening complications of DVT includes Pulmonary Embolism and Postphlebitic Syndrome.

Step-by-step explanation:

OVERVIEW: When a clot of blood commonly known as Thrombus forms in one or more of the deep veins of legs, this is known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). DVT causes leg pain and swelling but it can also presents without any symptoms.

CAUSES: DVT can be as a result of certain medical conditions like clotting/coagulation disorders, if someone is immobilize for a long period of time due to surgery, fracture or an accident.

It is a serious medical condition as the thrombus can dislodge from its site and can lodge anywhere in the blood circulation blocking blood supply of that particular area of the body.

SYMPTOMS: These include pain, swelling of leg, red or discolored skin of affected leg and warmth over the affected leg.

COMPLICATIONS: Life threatening complications include Pulmonary Embolism, when the dislodged thrombus travels to the Lungs thus blocking the blood supply of the lungs resulting in Breathlessness, Chest Pain, Rapid pulse, coughing up blood and ultimately death if not timely intervened.

Another complication is Postphlebitic Syndrome that is not life threatening but can cause damage to the veins due to the clot that reduces blood flow in the affected areas of body.

So in conclusion, the above presented case is likely of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) as a result of prolonged immobility due to hip fracture. The life threatening complication is Pulmonary Embolism.