A client in a long-term care facility has fallen. Assessment findings characteristic of a hip fracture include:

Question

1. The injured leg is shortened and externally rotated.
2. Pain is relieved by moving the affected extremity.
3. Redness, tenderness, and severe swelling are found at the hip joint.
4. The client is repeatedly bending the injured leg at the knee and internally rotating the leg.

Answer 1

1. The injured leg is shortened and externally rotated.

Rationale:
The client with a fractured hip is often in extreme pain and assumes a position with the leg on the affected side shortened and externally rotated because of gravity and the pull of the muscles. Any movement of the leg on the side of the affected hip is likely to cause severe muscle spasms and further pain. Redness, tenderness, and swelling are the classic signs of inflammation not immediately present after hip fracture. Extreme pain associated with hip fracture prevents any voluntary movement in the leg.