Which of the following is a risk factor for ICU-acquired weakness?

Which of the following is a risk factor for ICU-acquired weakness?

• A. Neuromuscular blockers
• B. Oral rehydration solution
• C. Bed rest without sedation
• D. Balanced diet

Answer: (A)

Prolonged use of neuromuscular blocking agents is a known risk factor for ICU-acquired weakness because these drugs paralyze the muscles, forcing extended periods of immobility even while on life support. This deep immobilization, often combined with critical illness and sometimes steroids, leads to rapid muscle disuse atrophy and can contribute to a myopathic or neuropathic process that makes weaning from ventilation harder. Nutrition and hydration help protect muscle function, and simply being bedridden can contribute to deconditioning, but the direct pharmacologic impact of these blockers on muscle and nerve makes them the most specific risk factor among the options.

Prolonged use of neuromuscular blocking agents is a known risk factor for ICU-acquired weakness because these drugs paralyze the muscles, forcing extended periods of immobility even while on life support. This deep immobilization, often combined with critical illness and sometimes steroids, leads to rapid muscle disuse atrophy and can contribute to a myopathic or neuropathic process that makes weaning from ventilation harder. Nutrition and hydration help protect muscle function, and simply being bedridden can contribute to deconditioning, but the direct pharmacologic impact of these blockers on muscle and nerve makes them the most specific risk factor among the options.