NR224 WEEK 3: MOBILITY AND
IMMOBILITY ADVANCED QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A patient has been immobile for three days following extensive abdominal surgery. The
nurse notes a decrease in breath sounds in the left lower lobe. Which physiological process is
most likely occurring?
A. Pulmonary edema due to fluid overload
B. Atelectasis resulting from pooling of secretions
C. Pneumothorax from surgical trauma
D. Hyperventilation causing hypocapnia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Immobility leads to pooling of secretions and decreased
surfactant production, which causes the collapse of alveoli, known as atelectasis.
2. Which metabolic change is a direct result of prolonged immobility in a patient who is not
meeting nutritional requirements?
A. Positive nitrogen balance
,B. Decreased serum calcium levels
C. Increased basal metabolic rate
D. Negative nitrogen balance
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Immobile patients often experience a negative nitrogen balance
because the body excretes more nitrogen (from protein breakdown) than it ingests.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient at risk for orthostatic hypotension. Which intervention
should the nurse prioritize before the patient stands for the first time?
A. Apply sequential compression devices
B. Administer a bolus of IV fluids
C. Instruct the patient to perform the Valsalva maneuver
D. Dangle the patient’s legs over the side of the bed
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dangling allows the cardiovascular system to adjust to the
change in position, preventing dizziness and fainting (orthostatic hypotension).
4. Which laboratory value is most important for a nurse to monitor in a patient suffering from
prolonged immobility and bone resorption?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Serum Magnesium
, C. Serum Sodium
D. Serum Calcium
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Immobility triggers bone resorption, releasing calcium into the
bloodstream, which can lead to hypercalcemia and pathological fractures.
5. A patient is developing a contracture where the foot is permanently fixed in plantar
flexion. This condition is known as:
A. Genu valgum
B. Foot drop
C. Torticollis
D. Kyphosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Foot drop occurs when the foot is permanently fixed in plantar
flexion, making it difficult to lift the toes while walking.
6. The nurse is teaching a student about the cardiovascular risks of immobility. Which
statement by the student indicates a need for further teaching?
A. Immobility leads to increased cardiac workload.
B. Thrombus formation is a major concern for immobile patients.
C. Peripheral vasodilation is reduced during long periods of bed rest.
IMMOBILITY ADVANCED QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A patient has been immobile for three days following extensive abdominal surgery. The
nurse notes a decrease in breath sounds in the left lower lobe. Which physiological process is
most likely occurring?
A. Pulmonary edema due to fluid overload
B. Atelectasis resulting from pooling of secretions
C. Pneumothorax from surgical trauma
D. Hyperventilation causing hypocapnia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Immobility leads to pooling of secretions and decreased
surfactant production, which causes the collapse of alveoli, known as atelectasis.
2. Which metabolic change is a direct result of prolonged immobility in a patient who is not
meeting nutritional requirements?
A. Positive nitrogen balance
,B. Decreased serum calcium levels
C. Increased basal metabolic rate
D. Negative nitrogen balance
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Immobile patients often experience a negative nitrogen balance
because the body excretes more nitrogen (from protein breakdown) than it ingests.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient at risk for orthostatic hypotension. Which intervention
should the nurse prioritize before the patient stands for the first time?
A. Apply sequential compression devices
B. Administer a bolus of IV fluids
C. Instruct the patient to perform the Valsalva maneuver
D. Dangle the patient’s legs over the side of the bed
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dangling allows the cardiovascular system to adjust to the
change in position, preventing dizziness and fainting (orthostatic hypotension).
4. Which laboratory value is most important for a nurse to monitor in a patient suffering from
prolonged immobility and bone resorption?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Serum Magnesium
, C. Serum Sodium
D. Serum Calcium
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Immobility triggers bone resorption, releasing calcium into the
bloodstream, which can lead to hypercalcemia and pathological fractures.
5. A patient is developing a contracture where the foot is permanently fixed in plantar
flexion. This condition is known as:
A. Genu valgum
B. Foot drop
C. Torticollis
D. Kyphosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Foot drop occurs when the foot is permanently fixed in plantar
flexion, making it difficult to lift the toes while walking.
6. The nurse is teaching a student about the cardiovascular risks of immobility. Which
statement by the student indicates a need for further teaching?
A. Immobility leads to increased cardiac workload.
B. Thrombus formation is a major concern for immobile patients.
C. Peripheral vasodilation is reduced during long periods of bed rest.
