Editing Anatomy and Physiology – LPN Practice Questions (section)

==Question 10==
A licensed practical nurse is caring for a patient on bed rest. Which nursing measures help prevent the physiologic complications of immobility? '''Select all that apply.'''
# Perform range-of-motion exercises to all joints as permitted.
# Reposition the patient at least every 2 hours.
# Encourage deep breathing and use of the incentive spirometer.
# Keep the head of the bed flat at all times to promote rest.
# Encourage adequate fluid intake unless it is restricted.

'''Answer:''' 1, 2, 3, and 5 (A, B, C, E).

''Rationale:'' Immobility affects every system. Muscles atrophy and joints contract without movement, so range of motion is essential. Skin over bony prominences loses perfusion under sustained pressure, so repositioning every 2 hours is standard. Lung secretions pool and alveoli collapse when a patient lies still, so deep breathing and incentive spirometry prevent atelectasis and pneumonia. Immobility also causes bone resorption that releases calcium into the blood and urine, and urinary stasis, so adequate hydration helps prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infection. Option 4 is incorrect because lying flat continuously increases the risk of aspiration and atelectasis and does not relieve pressure.