Final answer:
A femur fracture is most likely to increase the risk of pulmonary embolism, especially in elderly individuals with osteoporosis. These fractures often lead to immobility, which can cause deep vein thrombosis and potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fracture that is most likely to increase the risk of pulmonary embolism is a femur fracture. The femur, one of the long bones in the body, is particularly susceptible to fracture in elderly individuals, especially those with osteoporosis. When an elderly person falls and breaks the hip, the fracture typically involves the femoral neck, and the bone density loss due to osteoporosis often means the fracture occurred before the fall. Such fractures can impair mobility and frequently require surgery. The immobility associated with the healing process of hip fractures, particularly in the elderly, increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and subsequently pulmonary embolism (PE), as blood clots can form and travel to the lungs causing life-threatening conditions.
It is critical to provide proper care and ensure mobility to lessen complications like pneumonia, pressure sores, and other infections. Despite these measures, hip fractures in elderly patients are associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates, with pulmonary embolisms being one of the most serious potential complications.