Fundamentals of Nursing Q 38
Which statement best describes the effects of immobility in children?
A. Immobility prevents the progression of language and fine motor development.
B. Immobility in children has similar physical effects to those found in adults.
C. Children are more susceptible to the effects of immobility than are adults.
D. Children are likely to have prolonged immobility with subsequent complications.
Correct Answer: B. Immobility in children has similar physical effects to those found in adults.
Care of the immobile child includes efforts to prevent complications of muscle atrophy, contractures, skin breakdown, decreased metabolism and bone demineralization. Secondary alterations also occur in the cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems. Similar effects and alterations occur in adults.
Option A: The hazards or complications of immobility, such as skin breakdown, pressure ulcers, contractures, muscular weakness, muscular atrophy, disuse osteoporosis, renal calculi, urinary stasis, urinary retention, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections, atelectasis, pneumonia, decreased respiratory vital capacity, venous stasis, venous insufficiency, orthostatic hypotension, decreased cardiac reserve, edema, emboli, thrombophlebitis, constipation and the loss of calcium from the bones, are highly costly in terms of health care dollars and in terms of client suffering.
Option C: Immobility and complete bed rest can lead to life-threatening physical and psychological complications and consequences. Members of the nursing care team and other health care professionals like physical therapists must, therefore, promote client mobility and prevent immobility whenever possible. Immobility can adversely affect all physiological bodily systems.
Option D: Children stayed in a cast for a long period, so that the effect of postoperative immobility had negative effects on the physical and psychological wellbeing of children with musculoskeletal injuries. Emphasize the importance of implementing a nursing care program for children in the postoperative period for minimizing the physical and psychological effects of immobility on children with musculoskeletal injuries.