ch 25

Question 1

A patient who has been in the hospital for several weeks is about to be discharged. The patient is weak from the hospitalization and asks the nurse to explain why this is happening. What is the nurse’s best response?
a. “Your iron level is low. This is known as anemia.”
b. “Your immobility in the hospital is known as deconditioning.”
c. “Your poor appetite is known as malnutrition.”

Answer 1

ANS: B
When a person is ill and immobile the body becomes weak. This is known as deconditioning. Anemia, malnutrition, and medications may have an adverse effect on the body, but this is not known as deconditioning which is the most likely cause in this patient’s situation.

Question 2

An older patient is talking with the nurse about hip fractures. The patient would like to know the best approach to strengthen the bones. What is the nurse’s best response?
a. “Walk at least 5 miles every day for exercise.”
b. “Wear proper fitting shoes to prevent tripping.”
c. “Talk with your physician about a calcium supplement.”
d. “Stand up slowly so you don’t feel faint.”

Answer 2

ANS: C
Calcium strengthens the bones. A calcium supplement will help strengthen bones as they may be affected by aging, illness, or trauma. Walking several miles will help strengthen the bones, but the patient should consult with the healthcare provider before any exercise regimen is implemented for the older adult. Wearing proper shoes and standing slowly to prevent dizziness is important but they will not prevent fractures.

Question 3

Mobility for the patient changes throughout the lifespan. What is the term that best describes this process?
a. Aging and illness
b. Illness and disease
c. Health and wellness
d. Growth and development

Answer 3

ANS: D
Growth and development happens from infancy to death. Muscular changes are always happening, and these changes affect the individual and his or her performance in life. Aging, illness, health, and wellness do have an effect on a person, but they don’t always affect mobility.

Question 4

The nurse is talking to the unlicensed assistive personnel about moving a patient in bed. The nurse knows the unlicensed assistive personnel understands the concept of mobility and proper moving techniques when making which statement?
a. “Patients must have a trapeze over the bed to move properly.”
b. “Patients should move themselves in bed to prevent immobility.”
c. “Patients should always have a two-person assist to move in bed.”
d. “Patients must be moved correctly in bed to prevent shearing.”

Answer 4

ANS: D
Patients must be moved properly in bed to prevent shearing of the skin. Having a trapeze over the bed is only functional if the patient can assist in the moving process. A two-person assist is good, but the patient still needs to be moved properly. A patient may move himself or herself if he or she is able; but shearing may still occur.

Question 5

The nurse and a student nurse are discussing the effects of bed immobility on patients. The nurse knows that the student nurse understands the concept of mobility when making which statement?
a. “Patients with impaired bed mobility have an increased risk for pressure ulcers.”
b. “Patients with impaired bed mobility like to have extra visitors.”
c. “Patients with impaired bed mobility need to have a mechanical soft diet.”
d. “Patients with impaired bed mobility are prone to constipation.”

Answer 5

ANS: A
Patients who cannot move themselves in bed are more susceptible to pressure ulcers because they cannot relieve the pressure they feel. Extra visitors or diet consistency do not have any bearing on mobility. Constipation should not be a by-product of immobility if a bowel regimen is instituted.

Question 6

What percentage of hip fractures is the result of falls?
a. 50%
b. 80%
c. 90%
d. 100%

Answer 6

ANS: C
About 90% of falls end with a hip fracture.

Question 7

The lack of weight bearing leads to what effects on the skeletal system?
a. Demineralization, calcium loss
b. Thickened bones
c. Increased range of motion
d. Increased calcium deposition in the bones

Answer 7

ANS: A
Weight bearing helps to strengthen the bone. Lack of weight bearing means that the bone is losing minerals and calcium that strengthen it. Thickened bones will not occur with the lack of weight bearing. Range of motion may be decreased with a lack of weight bearing movements.