Immobility Effects in Nursing Care

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary definition of immobility?

An increased capacity for movement as a result of physical therapy.

A limitation of activities caused by physical problems or therapeutic measures. (correct)

A state of complete paralysis requiring medical intervention.

A temporary condition experienced during recovery from illness.

Which of the following is NOT a common physical cause of immobility?

Neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease.

Acute and chronic pain.

Environmental factors like poor lighting. (correct)

Musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis.

What effect does immobility have on the body's physiological activities?

Enhances the efficiency of metabolic processes.

Supports the restoration of strength without any risks.

Promotes better cardiovascular health.

Inhibits the ability to perform activities of daily living effectively. (correct)

Which factor is NOT mentioned as affecting the severity of physical impairment due to immobility?

Economic resources available for rehabilitation. Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological factor can contribute to immobility?

Fear and depression. Signup and view all the answers

What is a complication associated with decreased elastic recoil in the respiratory system due to immobility?

Hypostatic pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a problem that can arise from urinary stasis in immobile patients?

Renal stones Signup and view all the answers

What effect does immobility have on the musculoskeletal system regarding calcium?

Loss of calcium from bone matrix Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment finding would indicate a possible complication in the integumentary system due to immobility?

Skin breakdown Signup and view all the answers

What psychological effect can result from decreased socialization in immobilized patients?

Depression Signup and view all the answers

Which cardiovascular issue can arise due to venous stasis in an immobilized patient?

Increased pulse rate Signup and view all the answers

What gastrointestinal effect can be expected in a patient with immobility?

Decreased peristalsis Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing intervention is crucial for assessing the respiratory system of an immobilized patient?

Monitoring breath sounds Signup and view all the answers

Which neurologic effect is often associated with immobility?

Confusion Signup and view all the answers

What common effect does immobility have on the urinary system?

Urinary tract infections Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Immobility

Immobility is a person's inability to move around freely in the environment.
Mobility is the ability to move around easily.
Immobility impacts the body's normal physiological activities and a person's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing and eating.
Immobility is an impaired physical mobility. It is a state where individuals experience activity limitations due to physical problems, or necessary therapeutic measures.

Causes of Immobility

Physical: Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., arthritis, osteoporosis, fractures), neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease), cardiovascular disease (e.g., myocardial infarction, angina), pulmonary disease (e.g., chronic obstructive lung disease), acute and chronic pain, and sensory factors (e.g., impaired vision).
Psychological: Fear and depression.
Environmental: Forced immobility (e.g., in hospitals), inadequate mobility aids, and poor lighting.

Effects and Complications of Immobility

Factors affecting immobility severity: degree of immobility, duration, overall health status, and age.

Common Effects of Immobility on Body Systems

Urinary: Reduced kidney function, incontinence, urinary tract infections, and urinary retention.
Musculoskeletal: Brittle bones, contractures, muscle weakness and atrophy, and footdrop.
Nervous: Lack of stimulation, anxiety, feelings of isolation, confusion, and depression.
Respiratory: Pneumonia, decreased respiratory effort, decreased oxygenation of blood.
Cardiovascular: Blood clots, reduced blood flow.
Integumentary: Decreased blood flow, pressure ulcers, infections, and skin breakdown.
Digestive: Decreased appetite, low fluid intake, constipation, bowel obstruction, and electrolyte imbalances.

Assessment of Immobilized Patients

Integumentary System: Presence of skin irritation (friction, shear), and pressure ulcers.
Cardiovascular System: Vital signs, peripheral edema, auscultate heart sounds, orthostatic vital signs, and lower leg assessment.
Gastrointestinal System: Usual dietary intake, food and fluid intake, weight gains/losses, bowel pattern, and bowel sounds.
Respiratory System: Respiratory rate, depth and rhythm, breath sounds, oxygen saturation, skin color, and mucous membrane.
Urinary System: Ability to empty bladder, volume of voiding, 24-hour intake and output, urine inspection, bladder distention, and urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms.
Musculoskeletal System: Usual activity level, ability to perform ADLs, gait, posture, joint range of motion, muscle mass, muscle tone, muscle strength and assistive device use.
Psychosensory System: Signs of withdrawal, depression, anxiety, life roles, and neurological status assessment.

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Description

This quiz explores the multifaceted effects of immobility on physiological and psychological health, covering aspects relevant in nursing practice. It includes questions on complications associated with immobility and factors influencing physical impairments. Test your knowledge on how immobility affects different body systems and patient care.