Florida Nursing Assistant Competency Pracrice Exam

Which best describes the characteristics of contractures?

1. Shortened and stiffened muscles

2. Enlargement of tissues

3. Frequent spasms in muscles

4. Increased joint mobility

The correct answer is: Shortened and stiffened muscles

The best description of contractures is shortened and stiffened muscles. A contracture occurs when muscles or tendons become shorter and tighter, limiting the range of motion in the affected joint. This often results from prolonged immobility, muscle disorders, or conditions that affect nerve signals to the muscles. When muscles are not regularly stretched or used, they can become stiff, leading to difficulty in moving the joint. This situation is critical in nursing assistant care, as it emphasizes the importance of regular movement and passive range-of-motion exercises to prevent contractures in patients who may be immobilized or have limited mobility. In contrast, the other choices do not accurately define contractures. Any enlargement of tissues refers more to conditions like edema or hypertrophy, frequent spasms relate to involuntary muscle contractions, and increased joint mobility contradicts what contractures actually cause, which is a decrease in the ability to move a joint freely.