Which statement best describes the prehospital management of suspected hip fracture?

Which statement best describes the prehospital management of suspected hip fracture?

• A. Immobilize the limb and transport
• B. Massage the leg to reduce swelling
• C. Walk the patient to the ambulance
• D. Apply ice to the hip

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that suspected hip fracture requires immobilizing the injured limb and transporting the patient safely with minimal movement. Moving or bearing weight on a fractured hip can dramatically increase pain and risk further injury to surrounding tissues, nerves, and vessels, and it can complicate the fracture itself. To achieve this, immobilize the leg and hip using a rigid splint or padded support that secures the limb in a neutral, extended position. Pad and bandage around the hip and thigh to prevent movement, avoid rotating the leg, and keep the pelvis aligned. This protects the fracture from displacement and reduces pain during transport. Walking the patient to the ambulance would subject the fracture to weight-bearing stress and more movement, increasing pain and the potential for further harm. Massaging the leg is not appropriate because it can aggravate soft tissues, cause tissue damage, or worsen any underlying bleeding. Ice can be used as a comfort measure after immobilization in some protocols, but it does not replace proper immobilization and prompt transport as the priority. So, the best approach is to immobilize the limb and transport promptly, keeping the patient comfortable and still as much as possible.

The main idea here is that suspected hip fracture requires immobilizing the injured limb and transporting the patient safely with minimal movement. Moving or bearing weight on a fractured hip can dramatically increase pain and risk further injury to surrounding tissues, nerves, and vessels, and it can complicate the fracture itself.

To achieve this, immobilize the leg and hip using a rigid splint or padded support that secures the limb in a neutral, extended position. Pad and bandage around the hip and thigh to prevent movement, avoid rotating the leg, and keep the pelvis aligned. This protects the fracture from displacement and reduces pain during transport.

Walking the patient to the ambulance would subject the fracture to weight-bearing stress and more movement, increasing pain and the potential for further harm. Massaging the leg is not appropriate because it can aggravate soft tissues, cause tissue damage, or worsen any underlying bleeding. Ice can be used as a comfort measure after immobilization in some protocols, but it does not replace proper immobilization and prompt transport as the priority.

So, the best approach is to immobilize the limb and transport promptly, keeping the patient comfortable and still as much as possible.