Question

The nurse is caring for a bedridden patient. The nurse understands that immobility results in many metabolic changes. Which metabolic changes may be found in this patient? Select all that apply.

1 Low calcium levels in the blood
2 Negative nitrogen balance
3 Decrease in the basal metabolic rate
4 Decreased appetite and slowing of peristalsis
5 Increased muscle mass due to tissue anabolism

Answer 1

Immobility in a bedridden patient leads to low calcium levels, negative nitrogen balance, decreased basal metabolic rate, and decreased appetite with slower peristalsis, but not increased muscle mass.

Step-by-step explanation:

The metabolic changes that may be found in a bedridden patient due to immobility include low calcium levels in the blood, negative nitrogen balance, decrease in the basal metabolic rate, and decreased appetite and slowing of peristalsis. Immobility can lead to decreased bone density due to less stress on the skeletal system, resulting in hypocalcemia.

A negative nitrogen balance occurs when muscle breakdown exceeds synthesis, leading to muscle atrophy. The basal metabolic rate may decrease due to reduced muscle mass and decreased physical activity. Additionally, appetite can decline and gastrointestinal motility can slow down, often due to less energy expenditure. However, immobility does not lead to increased muscle mass due to tissue anabolism, as muscle catabolism tends to occur instead.