A nurse observes a patient rising from a chair slowly by pushing on the chair arms. Which type of tension and contraction did the nurse observe?
A) Eccentric tension and isotonic contraction
B) Eccentric tension and isometric contraction
C) Concentric tension and isotonic contraction
D) Concentric tension and isometric contraction

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This movement causes eccentric tension and isotonic contraction. Eccentric tension helps control the speed and direction of movement. For example, when using an overhead trapeze, the patient slowly lowers himself to the bed. The lowering is controlled when the antagonistic muscles lengthen. By pushing on the chair arms and rising eccentric tension and isotonic contraction occurred. In concentric tension, increased muscle contraction causes muscle shortening, resulting in movement such as when a patient uses an overhead trapeze to pull up in bed. Concentric and eccentric muscle actions are necessary for active movement and therefore are referred to as dynamic or isotonic contraction. Isometric contraction (static contraction) causes an increase in muscle tension or muscle work but no shortening or active movement of the muscle (e.g., instructing the patient to tighten and relax a muscle group, as in quadriceps set exercises or pelvic floor exercises).

A Nurse Observes a Patient Rising from a Chair Slowly