Which of the following conditions can lead to impaired body image in a hemiplegic patient?

Which of the following conditions can lead to impaired body image in a hemiplegic patient?

• A. Short limb
• B. Weak calf muscles
• C. Improper footwear
• D. High body mass index

Answer: (A)

Impaired body image in a hemiplegic patient can stem from various factors that affect their perception of their physical self. In this scenario, the condition of having a short limb can significantly impact a patient's body image. Shortened limbs may create a visual discrepancy that alters how the patient views their body in comparison to others or their previous self-image. This visual and functional difference may contribute to feelings of inadequacy or self-consciousness, leading to a negative perception of their overall body image. The other conditions, while they may present challenges for gait or stability, such as weak calf muscles, improper footwear, or a high body mass index, do not typically create the same immediate and clear visual dissonance or fundamental change in body proportion that is associated with having a short limb. Therefore, the prominence of limb length discrepancy is what makes it a critical factor in the perception of body image in this context.

Impaired body image in a hemiplegic patient can stem from various factors that affect their perception of their physical self. In this scenario, the condition of having a short limb can significantly impact a patient's body image. Shortened limbs may create a visual discrepancy that alters how the patient views their body in comparison to others or their previous self-image. This visual and functional difference may contribute to feelings of inadequacy or self-consciousness, leading to a negative perception of their overall body image.

The other conditions, while they may present challenges for gait or stability, such as weak calf muscles, improper footwear, or a high body mass index, do not typically create the same immediate and clear visual dissonance or fundamental change in body proportion that is associated with having a short limb. Therefore, the prominence of limb length discrepancy is what makes it a critical factor in the perception of body image in this context.