Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

After a long day, what should a CNA consider important about muscle atrophy in bedridden patients?

1. Atrophy does not impact patient care significantly

2. It can lead to long-term complications if not addressed

3. Muscle atrophy can be easily reversed

4. It occurs only in older adults

The correct answer is: It can lead to long-term complications if not addressed

Muscle atrophy in bedridden patients is a significant concern primarily because it can lead to long-term complications if not properly managed. When a patient remains immobile for extended periods, the lack of movement can result in the gradual weakening and wasting away of muscle tissue. This not only affects the patient's strength but also their overall mobility and ability to perform daily activities once they are no longer bedridden. Addressing muscle atrophy involves implementing interventions such as physical therapy and encouraging any form of movement or exercises tailored to the patient's condition. If muscle atrophy is not addressed, patients may face challenges such as decreased mobility, an increased risk of falls, prolonged recovery times, and complications such as pressure ulcers. Therefore, recognizing the importance of preventing and managing muscle atrophy is crucial for maintaining the patient’s physical health and quality of life. While some may think atrophy is easily reversible, it typically requires consistent rehabilitation efforts, and complete recovery may not always be possible depending on the duration of bed rest and the severity of the atrophy. Furthermore, muscle atrophy is not limited to older adults; it can occur at any age due to prolonged immobility. Thus, understanding the implications of muscle atrophy is vital in providing holistic and effective care for