Which statement about risk factors for hip fracture is true?

• A. Only decreased bone density is a risk factor
• B. Decreased bone density, impaired balance, cognitive impairment, and history of falls are risk factors
• C. Regular exercise is a risk factor
• D. Young age is a risk factor

Answer: (B)

Hip fracture risk is multifactorial: weak bone strength and fall risk work together to cause most fractures in older adults. Decreased bone density makes the proximal femur more prone to fracture, even with minor trauma. If balance is impaired, the likelihood of falling increases, and cognitive impairment can worsen fall risk through slower reaction times and difficulty following safety precautions. A history of falls also signals a higher baseline risk and prior instability. Regular exercise tends to reduce, not increase, fracture risk by improving bone density and balance, and younger age is not a risk factor. So the statement that combines decreased bone density, impaired balance, cognitive impairment, and history of falls is the true one.