Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What is the term for holding a joint in one position for too long, resulting in shortened tendons?

1. Flexion

2. Extension

3. Rotation

4. Contracture

The correct answer is: Contracture

The correct term for holding a joint in one position for an extended period, resulting in shortened tendons, is "contracture." This condition occurs when the muscles and tendons around the joint tighten and shorten due to prolonged immobility or disuse. Contractures can limit the movement of the joint, leading to functional impairment and discomfort. In contrast, flexion and extension refer to movements that change the angle of a joint – flexion decreases the angle, while extension increases it. Rotation involves moving a body part around its axis. These terms describe normal joint movements rather than the pathological condition that results from prolonged immobility. Therefore, contracture is the most appropriate term for the situation described in the question.