Final answer:
Muscle atrophy in a bedridden client typically involves a reduction in muscle cell size. Atrophy can lead to the creation of less pliable, denser fibrotic tissue. Exercise is a key intervention prescribed by physiotherapists to prevent or mitigate muscle atrophy caused by disuse.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing the characteristics of muscle atrophy in a bedridden client with a hip fracture, it’s important to recognize that muscle atrophy involves a reduction in muscle cell size. This reduction is due to a decrease in the amount of structural proteins and the number of sarcomeres and myofibrils within muscle fibers. Muscle atrophy can also lead to less-pliable fibrotic tissue and the deposition of denser fibrotic tissue, which contribute to a decrease in muscle flexibility and function. Although not mentioned in the reference materials provided, progressive shortening of muscle can occur due to contractures, but this is not a characteristic of muscle atrophy from disuse or sarcopenia.
Physiotherapists often work to mitigate muscle atrophy by prescribing exercises that target weakened muscles, helping to maintain muscle strength and function. These exercises can lead to increased production of sarcomeres and myofibrils, promoting muscle hypertrophy and offsetting the effects of disuse atrophy. In the case of age-related muscle atrophy, or sarcopenia, the decline in muscle mass and function is less reversible, and exercise can help to manage, but not fully reverse the atrophy.