Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Test

What nursing diagnosis is most suitable for a 68-year-old man with mild COPD who refuses to exercise and remains sedentary?

1. Ineffective health maintenance

2. Impaired physical mobility

3. Risk for disuse syndrome

4. Activity intolerance

The correct answer is: Risk for disuse syndrome

For a 68-year-old man with mild COPD who refuses to exercise and remains sedentary, the most suitable nursing diagnosis would be "Risk for disuse syndrome." Disuse syndrome refers to the adverse effects on the body that result from inactivity, such as muscle atrophy, decreased cardiovascular function, and overall physical deconditioning. This diagnosis is appropriate for this patient because his refusal to exercise and sedentary lifestyle put him at risk for developing disuse-related complications. Options A, B, and D are not as appropriate in this situation because they do not specifically address the consequences of prolonged inactivity and lack of exercise, which are key concerns for this patient with COPD.