What it means
Reduced strength in one muscle, one side of the body or the whole body. It is different from tiredness, where strength is normal but energy is low. Weakness on one side (hemiparesis) can come from a stroke. General weakness can come from many causes, including low potassiumpuh-TAS-ee-umA mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.Full entry , dehydration, infection, anemia and being in bed for a long time.
For the nurse
Test strength on both sides and compare them, for example with hand grips and pushing and pulling with the feet. Sudden weakness on one side is reported at once as a possible stroke. Weak clients are at high risk for falls.
At a glance
| Spanish | debilidad |
|---|---|
| Also written | weaknesses |
Related terms
paralysis
Loss of the ability to move a part of the body, and sometimes loss of feeling in it.
fatigue
A lasting feeling of tiredness or lack of energy that rest does not fully relieve.
hemi-
A word beginning that means half, or one side of the body.
Guillain-Barre syndrome
A rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.