b. Respiratory System.
(1) Hypostatic pneumonia. The depth and rate of respirations and the
movement of secretions in the respiratory tract is decreased when a person is immobile.
The pooling secretions and congestion predispose to respiratory tract infections. Signs
and symptoms include:
(a) Increased temperature.
(b) Thick copious secretions.
(d) Increased pulse.
(e) Confusion, irritability, or disorientation.
Sharp chest pain.
(2) Atelectasis. When areas of lung tissue are not used over a period of
time, incomplete expansion or collapse of lung tissue may occur.
(3) Impaired coughing. Impairment of coughing mechanism may be due to
the patient's position in bed decreasing chest cage expansion.
c. Musculoskeletal System.
Muscle atrophy. Disuse leads to decreased muscle size, tone, and
(2) Contracture. Decreased joint movement leads to permanent shortening
of muscle tissue, resistant to stretching. The strong flexor muscles pull tight, causing a
contraction of the extremity or a permanent position of flexion.
(3) Ankylosis. Consolidation and immobility of a joint in a particular position
due to contracture.
(4) Osteoporosis. Lack of stress on the bone causes an increase in calcium
absorption, weakening the bone.