What condition is indicated by a client with a shortened, adducted, and externally rotated left leg?

The scenario describes a client who has a shortened, adducted, and externally rotated left leg, which is indicative of a fracture of the femoral neck. This condition typically results from a forceful impact or trauma that disrupts the integrity of the femoral neck, most commonly seen in older adults due to falls.

When the femoral neck is fractured, the affected limb often presents in a characteristic position: it appears shorter than the opposite leg and is usually adducted and externally rotated. This is due to the pull of the muscles around the hip, such as the iliopsoas and gluteal muscles, which cause the leg to rotate outward as the fractured bone is not properly aligned.

In contrast, conditions like a hip dislocation would more likely cause excessive internal rotation and might not consistently manifest with adduction. A pelvic fracture could lead to leg positioning that varies greatly and would not specifically present with the shortened aspect as noted. Lastly, a knee dislocation would present with other signs and does not typically impact leg length in a significant way as described. Therefore, the presentation aligns most clearly with a fracture of the femoral neck.