Fractures and dislocations: thromboprophylaxis after hip fracture: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Fractures and dislocations: thromboprophylaxis after hip fracture

Sample item

An 80-year-old woman is admitted with a displaced neck of femur fracture and will have surgery the next day. Which measure is recommended to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Low molecular weight heparin with mechanical compression

Hip fracture surgery carries one of the highest risks of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in orthopaedics. Pharmacological prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin, combined with mechanical methods and early mobilisation, is standard unless contraindicated.

Option by option

  • A. Oral vitamin K to improve clotting

    Vitamin K would promote clotting and increase the thrombosis risk.

  • B. Intravenous fluids alone

    Fluids correct dehydration but do not prevent thrombus formation.

  • C. Low molecular weight heparin with mechanical compression (correct)

    Correct. Low molecular weight heparin with mechanical methods is standard prophylaxis in this high-risk group.

  • D. Bed rest for the first 2 weeks

    Prolonged immobility promotes venous stasis and raises the risk.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is C, Low molecular weight heparin with mechanical compression. Hip fracture surgery carries one of the highest risks of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in orthopaedics.

Why is "Oral vitamin K to improve clotting" not the answer?

Vitamin K would promote clotting and increase the thrombosis risk.

Why is "Intravenous fluids alone" not the answer?

Fluids correct dehydration but do not prevent thrombus formation.

Why is "Bed rest for the first 2 weeks" not the answer?

Prolonged immobility promotes venous stasis and raises the risk.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures and dislocations: thromboprophylaxis after hip fracture in Orthopaedics. Pharmacological prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin, combined with mechanical methods and early mobilisation, is standard unless contraindicated.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Fractures and dislocations: thromboprophylaxis after hip fracture?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.