A patient with a hip fracture develops symptoms of pleuritic chest pain and a dry cough. What medication should be administered?

In the scenario described, the patient with a hip fracture who develops pleuritic chest pain and a dry cough is at a heightened risk for pulmonary complications, particularly pulmonary embolism (PE). Following surgical procedures, immobility and certain orthopedic injuries can increase the likelihood of venous thromboembolism.

Administering unfractionated heparin is a critical intervention because it acts as an anticoagulant, which helps prevent the formation of blood clots. This is particularly important in this context where the patient may be predisposed to clots due to the hip fracture and potential immobility. The medication can help reduce the risk of PE, which often presents with symptoms like pleuritic chest pain and cough.

Considering other options, low-dose aspirin serves as an antiplatelet agent and may not be as effective as heparin in this acute setting for preventing thromboembolic events. Antibiotics for pneumonia would not address the underlying risk of PE; they would only be relevant if there were clear signs of an infection in the lungs. Intravenous fluids could be beneficial in a variety of situations but do not directly address the risks associated with a fracture and the related potential for clot formation.

Thus, the administration of unf