Question 1

Which of the following frequently causes decubitus ulcers?

Accepted Answer

Decubitus ulcers, also known as pressure sores or bedsores, are primarily caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, which leads to ischemia (restricted blood flow) at pressure points, resulting in tissue damage.

Question 2

Which of the following is/are common effect(s) of prolonged immobility in children?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged immobility in children can lead to delayed linear growth due to lack of physical activity and stress on bones, contractures and deformities due to muscle shortening and joint stiffness, and skeletal muscle weakness due to disuse atrophy.

Question 3

Paralysis of the lower part of the body is called:

Accepted Answer

Paraplegia is the paralysis of the lower part of the body, typically caused by damage to the spinal cord.

Question 4

The major problem associated with immobility and the gastrointestinal tract is:

Accepted Answer

Immobility often leads to decreased peristalsis and slower movement of the digestive tract, which can result in constipation.

Question 5

Immobility may lead to dehydration primarily as a result of:

Accepted Answer

Immobility can cause increased blood pooling in the thorax, which can alter hormonal secretions, such as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to increased urine output and potential dehydration.

Question 6

Lack of weight-bearing and skeletal muscle activity for a prolonged period leads to:

Accepted Answer

Prolonged lack of weight-bearing and skeletal muscle activity can lead to bone demineralization due to reduced mechanical stress on bones, and decreased skeletal muscle mass due to muscle atrophy from inactivity.

Question 7

Prolonged immobility may predispose to ___________ in the kidneys.

Accepted Answer

Prolonged immobility can lead to urinary stasis, which increases the risk of renal calculi (kidney stones) and infections due to the accumulation of urine and potential bacterial growth.

Question 8

What is a major factor predisposing to pulmonary infection in immobilized patients?

Accepted Answer

Stasis of secretions in the lungs is a major factor predisposing immobilized patients to pulmonary infections, as it can lead to bacterial growth and infection.

Question 9

Inactive muscle quickly loses strength as it becomes _____________.

Accepted Answer

Inactive muscle loses strength due to atrophy, which is the wasting away or reduction in size of muscle tissue.

Question 10

What do prolonged periods of immobility frequently lead to?
1) Orthostatic hypotension
2) Increased blood pressure and increased heart rate
3) Increased risk of both thrombi and emboli
4) Rapid, deep respirations

Accepted Answer

Prolonged immobility can lead to orthostatic hypotension due to decreased venous return and blood pooling in the lower extremities. It also increases the risk of thrombi and emboli due to reduced blood flow and potential clot formation.

Question 11

Bladder infections are more likely to develop in immobilized patients because of:

Accepted Answer

Stasis of urine in the urinary system can occur in immobilized patients, leading to an increased risk of bladder infections due to the accumulation of bacteria.

Question 12

Atelectasis may occur with a prolonged period of bed rest because of:

Accepted Answer

Prolonged bed rest can lead to reduced removal of pulmonary secretions due to decreased movement and ventilation, which can cause atelectasis.

Question 13

Which of the following is likely to develop when a leg is immobilized in a cast?

Accepted Answer

When a leg is immobilized in a cast, muscle atrophy is likely to develop due to disuse and lack of movement, leading to a decrease in muscle mass and strength.

Question 14

Virchow's triad refers to:

Accepted Answer

Virchow's triad describes three factors that contribute to thrombosis: endothelial injury, stasis of blood flow, and hypercoagulability.

Question 15

Which of the following applies/apply to orthostatic hypotension associated with prolonged immobility?

Accepted Answer

Orthostatic hypotension occurs when there is a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, often due to decreased venous return and cardiac output from prolonged immobility. However, not all cardiovascular reflexes are lost with immobility.

Quiz 25: Immobility and Associated Problems