NR224 WEEK 2: MOBILITY AND
IMMOBILITY EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has been bedridden for several days. Which of the
following metabolic changes should the nurse expect?
A. Increased metabolic rate
B. Positive nitrogen balance
C. Negative nitrogen balance
D. Increased protein synthesis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Immobility leads to the breakdown of protein (catabolism),
which results in a negative nitrogen balance because more nitrogen is excreted than
ingested.
2. When assessing a patient who is immobile, which respiratory finding is most consistent
with a complication of bedrest?
A. Vesicular breath sounds in peripheral lung fields
,B. Resonance on percussion of the chest wall
C. Diminished breath sounds in the bilateral bases
D. Oxygen saturation of 96% on room air
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Diminished breath sounds, particularly in the bases, indicate
atelectasis or hypostatic pneumonia, common complications of immobility due to pooling
of secretions.
3. A patient who has been on bedrest for a week stands up for the first time and reports
feeling lightheaded and dizzy. The nurse should identify this as:
A. Orthostatic hypotension
B. Autonomic dysreflexia
C. Carotid sinus syncope
D. Hypertensive crisis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure that occurs
when a patient changes position from lying to standing, often seen after prolonged
immobility.
, 4. Which of the following interventions is most effective in preventing thrombus formation in
an immobile patient?
A. Massaging the lower extremities daily
B. Encouraging the patient to perform ankle pumps
C. Restricting fluid intake to 1,000 mL per day
D. Placing pillows under the patient’s knees
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Ankle pumps and calf exercises promote venous return and
prevent venous stasis, reducing the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Massaging is
contraindicated as it may dislodge a clot.
5. A nurse is planning care for an immobile patient to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Which intervention should be included?
A. Maintain a fluid intake of 2,000 to 3,000 mL/day
B. Encourage the use of a bedpan every 4 hours
C. Limit acidic juices like cranberry juice
D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: High fluid intake helps flush the urinary system, preventing
urinary stasis and the formation of renal calculi, which contribute to UTIs.
IMMOBILITY EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has been bedridden for several days. Which of the
following metabolic changes should the nurse expect?
A. Increased metabolic rate
B. Positive nitrogen balance
C. Negative nitrogen balance
D. Increased protein synthesis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Immobility leads to the breakdown of protein (catabolism),
which results in a negative nitrogen balance because more nitrogen is excreted than
ingested.
2. When assessing a patient who is immobile, which respiratory finding is most consistent
with a complication of bedrest?
A. Vesicular breath sounds in peripheral lung fields
,B. Resonance on percussion of the chest wall
C. Diminished breath sounds in the bilateral bases
D. Oxygen saturation of 96% on room air
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Diminished breath sounds, particularly in the bases, indicate
atelectasis or hypostatic pneumonia, common complications of immobility due to pooling
of secretions.
3. A patient who has been on bedrest for a week stands up for the first time and reports
feeling lightheaded and dizzy. The nurse should identify this as:
A. Orthostatic hypotension
B. Autonomic dysreflexia
C. Carotid sinus syncope
D. Hypertensive crisis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure that occurs
when a patient changes position from lying to standing, often seen after prolonged
immobility.
, 4. Which of the following interventions is most effective in preventing thrombus formation in
an immobile patient?
A. Massaging the lower extremities daily
B. Encouraging the patient to perform ankle pumps
C. Restricting fluid intake to 1,000 mL per day
D. Placing pillows under the patient’s knees
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Ankle pumps and calf exercises promote venous return and
prevent venous stasis, reducing the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Massaging is
contraindicated as it may dislodge a clot.
5. A nurse is planning care for an immobile patient to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Which intervention should be included?
A. Maintain a fluid intake of 2,000 to 3,000 mL/day
B. Encourage the use of a bedpan every 4 hours
C. Limit acidic juices like cranberry juice
D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: High fluid intake helps flush the urinary system, preventing
urinary stasis and the formation of renal calculi, which contribute to UTIs.
