Physiological Adaptation Q 97

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A 76-year-old male client had a thromboembolic right stroke; his left arm is swollen. Which of the following conditions may cause swelling after a stroke?

  

     A. Elbow contracture secondary to spasticity.

     B. Loss of muscle contraction decreasing venous return.

     C. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to immobility of the ipsilateral side.

     D. Hypoalbuminemia due to protein escaping from an inflamed glomerulus.

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Loss of muscle contraction decreasing venous return

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In clients with hemiplegia or hemiparesis, loss of muscle contraction decreases venous return and may cause swelling of the affected extremity.

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Option A: Contractures or bony calcifications may occur with a stroke, but don’t appear with swelling.

Option C: DVT may develop in clients with a stroke but is more likely to occur in the lower extremities.

Option D: A stroke isn’t linked to protein loss. Higher levels of protein were associated with a lower risk of stroke. According to a study, for every 20 grams of protein people ate per day, there is a 26 percent lower risk of stroke.

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