What is the primary focus when caring for a patient with a hip fracture?

When caring for a patient with a hip fracture, the primary focus is on pain management and prevention of complications. This is crucial because hip fractures typically cause significant pain, and effective pain management is essential to ensure the patient's comfort and cooperation during the recovery process. Moreover, patients with hip fractures are at a higher risk for complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), infection, and poor mobility. By prioritizing pain management, healthcare providers can also help facilitate safer healing and rehabilitation.

In addition to addressing pain, proactive measures are taken to prevent complications. This includes implementing strategies such as promoting early mobility (within the limits of safety), monitoring vital signs, and ensuring appropriate interventions are in place to prevent thromboembolic events. Therefore, while rehabilitation, mobility, and nutrition are important aspects of the overall care plan, they are secondary to the immediate needs of managing pain and preventing further complications from the injury.