Which term means the shrinking of muscle mass due to protein deficiency and decreased exercise?

Which term means the shrinking of muscle mass due to protein deficiency and decreased exercise?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Ambulate
• C. Atrophy
• D. Colostomy

Answer: (C)

Muscle mass shrinking when muscles aren’t used or when protein intake is low is called atrophy. When the body doesn’t have enough protein or when muscles sit idle for too long, it breaks down muscle tissue faster than it can rebuild, leading to smaller, weaker muscles. This often shows up with malnutrition or extended bedrest, and it’s something a CNA helps prevent by encouraging safe movement, range-of-motion activities, and ensuring adequate nutrition. Bradycardia means a slow heart rate, ambulate means to walk, and colostomy is a surgical opening to the colon—none of these describe the loss of muscle mass from inactivity or protein deficiency.

Muscle mass shrinking when muscles aren’t used or when protein intake is low is called atrophy. When the body doesn’t have enough protein or when muscles sit idle for too long, it breaks down muscle tissue faster than it can rebuild, leading to smaller, weaker muscles. This often shows up with malnutrition or extended bedrest, and it’s something a CNA helps prevent by encouraging safe movement, range-of-motion activities, and ensuring adequate nutrition. Bradycardia means a slow heart rate, ambulate means to walk, and colostomy is a surgical opening to the colon—none of these describe the loss of muscle mass from inactivity or protein deficiency.