Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Introduction to the Musculoskeletal System Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Introduction to the Musculoskeletal System related questions and content

The nurse is performing a musculoskeletal assessment for a client whose right leg muscles exhibit no tone and are limp. Which descriptor should the nurse use to document this condition?

  • A. Flaccid
  • B. Spastic
  • C. Atonic
  • D. Atrophic
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The term flaccid describes muscles that have no tone or are limp. Spastic describes muscles that have greater-than-normal tone. Atonic describes muscles that are not enervated and become soft and flabby. Atrophic describes muscles deterioration that occurs with lack of use and exercise.