An Emergency Department Patient Is Diagnosed with a Hip Dislocation

An emergency department patient is diagnosed with a hip dislocation. The patients family is relieved that the patient has not suffered a hip fracture, but the nurse explains that this is still considered to be a medical emergency. What is the rationale for the nurses statement?

A) The longer the joint is displaced, the more difficult it is to get it back in place.
B) The patients pain will increase until the joint is realigned.
C) Dislocation can become permanent if the process of bone remodeling begins.
D) Avascular necrosis may develop at the site of the dislocation if it is not promptly resolved.