An 86-year-old woman is reviewed after repair of a fractured neck of femur. On day 3 she is medically stable but has not mobilised because she is

Question

An 86-year-old woman is reviewed after repair of a fractured neck of femur. On day 3 she is medically stable but has not mobilised because she is afraid of falling and reports pain score 8/10 on standing. She has mild delirium overnight, constipation and no walking aid review. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Optimise analgesia, treat delirium precipitants and start supported early mobilisation with physiotherapy

Answer

Use bed rails and sedation to prevent further falls as the preferred next management strategy

Answer

Arrange discharge to bed-based care without attempting ward rehabilitation as the next step

Answer

Delay mobilisation until she is pain-free at rest as the preferred next management strategy

Answer

Stop analgesia as the preferred next management strategy at this stage in the clinical context described

Post-hip-fracture fear of falling — SCE Geriatric Medicine MCQ