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A patient has been on bed rest for two weeks. For which localized response to immobility should the nurse assess the patient?

1) Orthostatic hypotension
2) Muscle atrophy
3) Osteoporosis
4) Atelectasis

User Oparisy
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The nurse should assess the patient for muscle atrophy, which is a common and immediate localized response to prolonged immobility such as a two-week bed rest. While orthostatic hypotension, osteoporosis, and atelectasis are also concerns, muscle atrophy occurs more rapidly due to the lack of muscle use.

Step-by-step explanation:

The localized response to immobility that the nurse should assess the patient for is muscle atrophy. When a patient has been on bed rest for extended periods, such as two weeks, the lack of physical activity can lead to a decline in muscle mass and strength. This condition is due to the muscles not bearing weight or being used to their normal capacity. It's important for healthcare providers to monitor for signs of muscle weakening and to implement measures to mitigate atrophy, such as physiotherapy and gradual increases in activity as appropriate.

The other options listed, such as orthostatic hypotension, osteoporosis, and atelectasis, are also potential concerns for a patient on prolonged bed rest. However, these conditions are not as immediate as muscle atrophy. Orthostatic hypotension can occur upon standing after lying down for a long period, and osteoporosis develops over a much longer time of immobility. Atelectasis, the collapse of part of the lung, may result from shallow breathing and lack of movement, but it's not specifically localized like muscle atrophy is.

User Geshe
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