An elderly nursing home resident fell 2 weeks ago and has been on bed rest.The patient has become increasingly fatigued during activities of daily living (ADLs).The family is concerned about the patient's declining condition.The best explanation that the nurse can give the family is that the patient's fatigue is caused by which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The body loses muscle strength when muscles are inactive.The rate of muscle decline varies with the degree of immobility,but it is rapid while mobility and weight bearing are restricted.These effects are devastating to patients who are marginally functional with their ADLs.This fatigue is a result of the bed rest,not from advanced age or urinary stasis.Reduced metabolism,not increased,leads to a loss of muscle and body mass,causing fatigue with prolonged activity.Urinary stasis does not affect activity level,but can lead to urinary tract infections.

An Elderly Nursing Home Resident Fell 2 Weeks Ago and Has