The nurse finds the client on the floor, crying for help, with signs of a hip fracture. Which action would the nurse take first?

• A. Administer pain medication.
• B. Place the affected extremity in traction.
• C. Immobilize the affected extremity.
• D. Notify the primary health care provider on call.

Answer: (C)

When a hip fracture is suspected, the most immediate priority is to immobilize the affected leg to prevent movement that could worsen displacement, worsen bleeding, or damage nerves and vessels. Keeping the limb in its current position and preventing any twisting or wringing minimizes further injury and reduces pain, while you arrange further care. The nurse should use a splint or improvised immobilization as available, support the limb to maintain alignment, and avoid trying to straighten or realign the leg.

After immobilization, you would proceed with further steps such as providing pain relief per protocol and notifying the primary health care provider to arrange imaging and definitive treatment. Giving pain medication first could mask assessment findings and delaying immobilization, and applying traction isn’t a first-action measure in this emergency scenario, while notifying the provider is important but comes after stabilization.