Question

A 78-year-old woman reports pain to her right groin area after she fell. Her right leg is straight but is externally rotated and shorter than the left. The EMT should suspect a:

A) Hip dislocation
B) Femur fracture
C) Pelvic fracture
D) Knee dislocation

Answer 1

In a 78-year-old woman who fell and reports right groin pain with her right leg externally rotated and shorter than the left, the EMT should suspect a femur fracture, which is common in elderly patients with osteoporosis and requires surgical treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The EMT should suspect a femur fracture in a 78-year-old woman who reports pain to her right groin area after a fall, with her right leg being straight but externally rotated and shorter than the left. In elderly individuals, particularly those with weakened bones due to osteoporosis, a "broken hip" often refers to a fracture of the femoral neck. This injury can lead to significant morbidity and mortality due to complications such as thrombophlebitis, pneumonia, and pressure ulcers following surgery and prolonged bed rest. Femoral fractures generally require surgical treatment and a period of postoperative mobility assistance.