An elderly client is in the emergency department after suffering a fracture. The daughter is distraught and says "This will never heal in my mother; she's so old!" The most appropriate response by the nurse is
A) "Actually fractures in infants take the longest to heal."
B) "Do you think your mother has a bone disease, like osteoporosis?"
C) "Unless there are other problems, elderly bones heal as quickly as in adults."
D) "You're right; fractures take longer to heal in the elderly."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A fracture in an infant may heal in only 4-6 weeks, but the time increases somewhat with age. However, fractures in the elderly heal at the same speed as in other adults, unless a disease like osteoporosis is present. Other favorable and unfavorable factors that affect bone healing are summarized in Box 27-1.

An Elderly Client Is in the Emergency Department After Suffering