Master the Intensive Care Medicine Challenge 2026 – Elevate Your Expertise and Save Lives!

Prolonged immobility in ICU patients can lead to a plethora of complications, especially when it comes to their overall health and recovery. The correct answer encompasses a comprehensive list of complications including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, muscle atrophy, and pressure ulcers.

Deep vein thrombosis is a significant concern as immobility can result in venous stasis, which increases the risk of clot formation in the legs. When a thrombus dislodges, it can result in pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening condition where a clot travels to the lungs, obstructing blood flow.

Muscle atrophy is another critical complication that occurs due to lack of movement. During prolonged periods of immobility, muscles begin to weaken and atrophy, resulting in a loss of strength and increased time needed for rehabilitation.

Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, arise when there is prolonged pressure on specific areas of the skin, often from lying in one position for too long. This can lead to skin breakdown and significant pain, further complicating a patient’s recovery and prolonging their stay in the ICU.

This comprehensive listing of complications highlights the multifaceted challenges that healthcare providers face in managing patients who are immobile for