Final answer:
The greatest risk to an elderly woman with a suspected femoral fracture is a (b) fat embolus, due to the potential of fat droplets traveling to the lungs and causing a pulmonary embolism. Femoral neck fractures often require surgery and may lead to serious complications like deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia during the recovery period.
Step-by-step explanation:
The greatest risk to the elderly woman who has suffered a femoral fracture, and is unable to move or bear weight on the affected leg, is a fat embolus. Considering the potential complications associated with hip fractures in elderly individuals, especially those with conditions such as osteoporosis, a fat embolus poses a severe risk. This is because a fat embolus can occur when a fracture mobilizes fat droplets into the bloodstream, potentially traveling to the lungs and causing a pulmonary embolism.
Femoral neck fractures in elderly patients frequently require surgical intervention. After surgery, prolonged immobility during recovery can lead to life-threatening complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolisms, and pneumonia. Consequently, it's crucial to understand the risks associated with hip fractures and provide immediate and appropriate care.
Other potential complications from hip fractures include infection from pressure sores, reduced mobility increasing the risk of additional fractures, and neurogenic shock which, while less likely than a fat embolus, remains a clinical concern.