Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

What is one of the main symptoms of atrophy?

1. Increased muscle mass

2. Stiffness in joints

3. Decrease in muscle size

4. Heightened reflexes

The correct answer is: Decrease in muscle size

Atrophy refers to the decrease in size or wasting away of a body part, particularly muscle tissue. The main symptom of atrophy is a noticeable decrease in muscle size, which can occur due to a variety of reasons such as disuse, aging, or medical conditions affecting the nervous system. When muscles are not regularly engaged in activity or exercise, they can shrink in size, leading to weakness and reduced functionality. This aligns with the understanding of how atrophy manifests, making the option indicating a decrease in muscle size the correct choice. Increased muscle mass would indicate growth, stiffness in joints is more associated with arthritis or injury rather than atrophy, and heightened reflexes suggest a heightened neurological response, which is not indicative of muscle atrophy. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing the signs of musculoskeletal conditions and their effects on a patient's overall health.