Anatomy & Physiology for Special Populations Flashcards

What is the primary reason clients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) experience claudication during exercise?

Answer: Insufficient blood flow and oxygen delivery to working muscles

PAD causes arterial stenosis that limits blood flow to the lower extremities during exercise, resulting in ischemic pain known as claudication.

Which anatomical change associated with aging most directly reduces balance and fall risk in older adults?

Answer: Loss of proprioceptive nerve endings and vestibular function

Aging reduces proprioceptive sensitivity and vestibular function, impairing the sensory input needed for postural control and balance.

In a client with multiple sclerosis (MS), which physiological factor most limits their ability to exercise in warm environments?

Answer: Heat sensitivity due to impaired nerve conduction in demyelinated fibers

MS-related demyelination worsens nerve conduction at elevated temperatures, causing a transient worsening of symptoms known as Uhthoff's phenomenon.

What is the most significant musculoskeletal complication of long-term corticosteroid use that a MES must account for in program design?

Answer: Osteoporosis and increased fracture risk

Long-term corticosteroid use inhibits osteoblast activity and calcium absorption, leading to steroid-induced osteoporosis and elevated fracture risk.

Which pulmonary change most limits exercise capacity in clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Answer: Decreased alveolar surface area and air trapping increasing dead space ventilation

COPD causes destruction of alveolar walls and air trapping, reducing effective gas exchange and increasing the work of breathing during exercise.

In a client with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which joint characteristic requires special consideration during resistance training?

Answer: Joint laxity and synovial inflammation making high compressive loads risky

RA causes synovial inflammation and joint laxity, meaning high compressive or shear forces during resistance training can exacerbate joint damage.