An older adult client fell while getting out of bed. Which assessment finding indicates a possible hip fracture?

Aspiration refers to the inhalation of gastric contents or other substances into the respiratory tract. During surgery, when the patient is under general anesthesia, the protective airway reflexes may be suppressed, increasing the risk of aspiration. If stomach contents enter the lungs, it can lead to aspiration pneumonia, respiratory distress, and other complications.

While myocardial infarction (MI), hernia, and cerebral vascular accident (CVA) are possible complications that can occur during surgery, they are not specifically related to airway issues.

MI is a cardiac event involving the blood supply to the heart muscle, hernia refers to the protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening, and CVA refers to a disruption of blood flow to the brain. These complications can have various causes but are not directly related to the airway during surgery.

The nurse explains that immobilizing a fracture will:

• Help align the bone fragments and reduce movement, which is crucial for proper healing. Immobilization can help maintain the stability of the fracture site, allowing the bones to knit together and heal.
• Help to minimize movement and subsequent pain. It provides support and reduces stress on the injured area, which can help alleviate discomfort and promote a more comfortable healing process.
• Help to minimize movement and reduce the risk of fat globules from bone marrow entering the bloodstream and causing a fat embolism, a potentially serious complication.

Preventing blood clots, preventing malignant hyperthermia, and immobilizing a fracture are not directly related. Preventing blood clots typically involves other measures such as early mobilization, elevation, and medication to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Malignant hyperthermia is a rare, potentially life-threatening reaction to certain medications used during anesthesia, and immobilization does not directly prevent it.