Which of the following is a risk factor for ICU-acquired weakness?

Which of the following is a risk factor for ICU-acquired weakness?

• A. Prolonged ventilation
• B. Regular exercise
• C. Adequate nutrition
• D. Short hospital stay

Answer: (A)

ICU-acquired weakness happens when critical illness, inflammation, and extended immobility lead to widespread muscle and nerve weakness. The fact that someone requires prolonged ventilation means they’re often sedated and immobile for a long time, which accelerates disuse atrophy of the diaphragm and limb muscles and can contribute to neuromuscular dysfunction. This combination makes prolonged ventilation a common and strong risk factor for developing ICU-acquired weakness. In contrast, regular exercise helps maintain muscle mass and strength, adequate nutrition supports muscle tissue during recovery, and a shorter hospital stay reduces the duration of ICU exposure, so these are not risk factors for ICU-acquired weakness; they’re protective or mitigating factors.

ICU-acquired weakness happens when critical illness, inflammation, and extended immobility lead to widespread muscle and nerve weakness. The fact that someone requires prolonged ventilation means they’re often sedated and immobile for a long time, which accelerates disuse atrophy of the diaphragm and limb muscles and can contribute to neuromuscular dysfunction. This combination makes prolonged ventilation a common and strong risk factor for developing ICU-acquired weakness.

In contrast, regular exercise helps maintain muscle mass and strength, adequate nutrition supports muscle tissue during recovery, and a shorter hospital stay reduces the duration of ICU exposure, so these are not risk factors for ICU-acquired weakness; they’re protective or mitigating factors.