Which of the following is NOT a pulmonary complication of immobility?

Which of the following is NOT a pulmonary complication of immobility?

• A. Atelectasis
• B. Pneumonia
• C. Pressure injuries
• D. Decreased ventilation

Answer: (C)

Immobility directly affects the lungs by reducing chest expansion and leading to shallow breathing. That lowers ventilation, allows secretions to pool, and increases the risk of lung collapse (atelectasis) and infection (pneumonia). Decreased ventilation is another pulmonary consequence of not moving much, as the respiratory system doesn’t clear airways as effectively and gas exchange can be impaired. Pressure injuries, by contrast, come from prolonged pressure on the skin and underlying tissues and are a skin/soft-tissue problem, not a lung issue. So while immobility can cause skin ulcers from constant pressure, it does not represent a pulmonary complication.

Immobility directly affects the lungs by reducing chest expansion and leading to shallow breathing. That lowers ventilation, allows secretions to pool, and increases the risk of lung collapse (atelectasis) and infection (pneumonia). Decreased ventilation is another pulmonary consequence of not moving much, as the respiratory system doesn’t clear airways as effectively and gas exchange can be impaired. Pressure injuries, by contrast, come from prolonged pressure on the skin and underlying tissues and are a skin/soft-tissue problem, not a lung issue. So while immobility can cause skin ulcers from constant pressure, it does not represent a pulmonary complication.