Which of the following is a sytemic effect of immobility?Answers to choose from:
A. Reduced chest expansion and limited gas exchange
B. Increased mood and endorphin release
C. Diarrhea, increased appetite
D. Enhanced blood flow
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is:
A. Reduced chest expansion and limited gas exchange
Explanation:
Immobility refers to the inability to move freely or the restriction of movement, often due to illness, injury, or prolonged bed rest. It has widespread effects on the body, including several systemic complications.
Systemic effects of immobility are those that affect the entire body, not just localized areas. Let’s analyze the options:
- A. Reduced chest expansion and limited gas exchange:
This is a classic systemic complication of immobility. When a person is immobile, especially lying down for long periods, the lungs do not fully expand due to weak respiratory muscles and less movement of the rib cage. This leads to shallow breathing and reduced ventilation of the lungs. Consequently, gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) is limited, which can increase the risk of hypoxia and respiratory infections like pneumonia. This effect impacts the respiratory system but has systemic consequences due to reduced oxygen supply to tissues. - B. Increased mood and endorphin release:
This is incorrect. Immobility is generally associated with decreased mood, depression, and sometimes anxiety due to reduced physical activity and social interaction. Endorphin release is typically stimulated by exercise, not immobility. - C. Diarrhea, increased appetite:
Immobility more commonly leads to constipation rather than diarrhea because of decreased intestinal motility. Appetite may also decrease, not increase, due to overall reduced energy expenditure and possible illness. - D. Enhanced blood flow:
This is incorrect. Immobility usually causes reduced blood flow, especially in the lower limbs, increasing the risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis). Muscle inactivity leads to venous stasis and poor circulation.
Summary of systemic effects of immobility:
- Respiratory system: Reduced chest expansion, poor gas exchange, risk of pneumonia.
- Cardiovascular system: Venous stasis, increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
- Musculoskeletal system: Muscle atrophy, joint contractures, bone demineralization.
- Gastrointestinal system: Constipation, decreased appetite.
- Psychological: Depression, anxiety, decreased mood.
Thus, reduced chest expansion and limited gas exchange is a key systemic effect of immobility, making option A the correct answer.