Question

You are called to the local assisted living facility where a 94-year-old man has fallen. He is alert and oriented and denies passing out. His respirations are 18 breaths/min and regular. Pulse is 106 beats/min, regular, and strong. Distal pulses are present. He states that he was walking and heard a pop and fell to the floor. You suspect a(n):

A. greenstick
B. comminuted
C. pathologic
D. epiphyseal

Answer 1

A pathologic fracture is likely in the 94-year-old man who heard a pop before falling, as this type of fracture occurs when weakened bones break under normal strain, which is common in the elderly due to conditions like osteoporosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The 94-year-old man who fell and heard a pop before falling likely experienced a pathologic fracture. This type of fracture occurs when a bone that is weakened by a disease, such as osteoporosis or cancer, breaks under normal strain or minor trauma. In contrast, a greenstick fracture typically refers to an incomplete fracture commonly seen in children, comminuted fractures involve the bone breaking into several pieces, and epiphyseal fractures relate to the growth plates and are also primarily seen in children and adolescents.

Given the patient's advanced age and the circumstances described, it is reasonable to suspect a pathologic fracture, possibly due to weakened bones from osteoporosis or another underlying condition. Immediate medical assessment, including imaging studies like X-rays, is crucial to confirm the diagnosis and to begin appropriate treatment and management of the injury.