Which questions are best for the PN to ask when assessing for disuse syndrome in clients with neuromuscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy or multiple sclerosis?

• A. What is included in a typical day for you?
• B. How much assistance do you need to move around?
• C. On a scale 1-10, how would you rate your overall pain level?
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Disuse syndrome develops when activity is limited for extended periods, leading to weakness, stiffness, and loss of endurance. To spot this risk in neuromuscular conditions, you want a clear sense of how the person actually moves and uses their body, what support they need, and whether pain gets in the way of activity.

Asking what is included in a typical day helps you see real-world activity levels and patterns—are they mostly sedentary, or do they engage in movement that maintains strength and flexibility? Asking how much assistance is needed to move around shows you the level of functional independence and the potential for reduced activity that can drive deconditioning. Asking about pain on a scale reveals a common barrier to movement; even mild pain can lead to guarding and avoidance of activity, speeding up disuse.

Together, these questions provide a complete view of activity, mobility, and pain—three key factors that contribute to disuse syndrome. That’s why choosing all of the above gives the most accurate picture and guides a plan to maintain movement, flexibility, and function.