Question

the nurse is caring for a bedridden patient. the nurse understands that immobility results in many metabolic changes. which metabolic change may be found in this patient?

Answer 1

Prolonged immobility in a bedridden patient can lead to decreased basal metabolic rate and metabolic acidosis, which entail serious health implications such as altered enzyme activity and a higher risk of concurrent chronic diseases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The metabolic changes associated with prolonged immobility include a range of issues. In a bedridden patient, one major concern could be the development of decreased basal metabolic rate (BMR), which takes place due to reduced muscle activity and corresponds to a slower metabolism. Prolonged bed rest can also contribute to metabolic acidosis, which is a condition characterized by the accumulation of sulfates, phosphates, and uric acid that can lead to altered enzyme activity and hyperkalemia. This issue, in turn, is related to chronic conditions such as kidney disease, which is frequently linked with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and can consequently result in a significantly worse prognosis when both are present.