Chapter 25: Immobility and Associated Problems
VanMeter and Hubert: Gould’s Pathophysiology for the Health Professions, 7th
Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which of the following is likely to develop when a leg is immobilized in a cast?
a. Contracture
b. Muscle hypertrophy
c. Muscle atrophy
d. Increased osteoblastic activity
ANS> C
2. Which of the following frequently causes decubitus ulcers?
a. Infection by resident flora
b. Ischemia at pressure points
c. Normal degenerative changes
d. Allergic reaction to adhesive tape or dressings
ANS> B
3. 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
a. 1, 2
b. 1, 3
c. 2, 4
d. 3, 4
ANS> B
4. What is a major factor predisposing to pulmonary infection in immobilized patients?
a. Decreased activity and demand for oxygen
b. Increased retention of CO2
c. Inability to sneeze forcefully
d. Stasis of secretions in the lungs
ANS> D
5. Bladder infections are more likely to develop in immobilized patients because of
a. stasis of urine in the urinary system.
b. development of hypocalcemia with immobility.
c. fluid overload in the system.
d. lack of neurological control of the bladder.
ANS> A
6. Which of the following is/are common effect(s) of prolonged immobility in children?
, Test Bank For Gould's Pathophysiology for the Health Professions 7th Edition VanMeter 207
a. Delayed linear growth
b. Contractures and deformities involving the hips, spine, legs, and feet
c. Skeletal muscle weakness
d. A, B, and C
ANS> D
7. Paralysis of the lower part of the body is called
a. hemiplegia.
b. paraplegia.
c. quadriplegia.
d. none of these.
ANS> B
8. Prolonged immobility may predispose to in the kidneys.
a. urinary stasis
b. renal calculi
c. infection
d. all of these
ANS> D
9. Inactive muscle quickly loses strength as it becomes .
a. less elastic
b. atrophied
c. contracted
d. spastic
ANS> B
10. The major problem associated with immobility and the gastrointestinal tract is
a. constipation.
b. diarrhea.
c. nausea.
d. increased rate of peristalsis.
ANS> A
11. Lack of weight-bearing and skeletal muscle activity for a prolonged period leads to
a. bone demineralization.
b. lengthening of tendons and ligaments.
c. decreased skeletal muscle mass.
d. bone demineralization and decreased skeletal muscle mass.
ANS> D
12. Which of the following applies/apply to orthostatic hypotension associated with prolonged
immobility?
a. Sudden changes in body position from supine to upright may cause low blood
pressure.
b. Venous return and cardiac output are decreased with immobility.
c. All cardiovascular reflexes are lost and venous return and cardiac output are