RN Musculoskeletal NCLEX Questions
Question 1 of 5.
The nurse provides discharge instructions to a client with a newly applied fiberglass cast for a fractured radius. Which of the following statements by the client would indicate a correct understanding of the teaching?
A. The swelling can be reduced by keeping my extremity in a dependent position.'
B. The edges of the cast can be cut with scissors until I feel comfortable.'
C. To reduce pain and swelling, I should apply a warm compress.'
D. If my cast gets slightly wet, pat it dry with a towel and try drying it with a hair dryer set on the cool setting.'
Explanation: Drying a slightly wet fiberglass cast with a towel and a cool hair dryer is appropriate to prevent skin breakdown. A dependent position increases swelling, cutting the cast is unsafe, and warm compresses can worsen swelling and are not recommended.
Question 2 of 5.
Which of the following findings in the history and physical requires follow-up?
A. Sensation in the feet
B. Drainage from wound
C. Peripheral pulses
D. Pain characteristics
E. Medical history
Explanation: Decreased sensation (neuropathy) risks further injury, purulent drainage suggests infection, pain characteristics indicate severity and progression, and uncontrolled diabetes and other conditions increase complication risk. Peripheral pulses are normal at 2+.
Question 3 of 5.
The nurse is caring for assigned clients. The nurse should recognize that the client at greatest risk for compartment syndrome is the client who has which of the following?
A. A left tibial fracture that was recently placed in a cast
B. Swelling in the ankles and is wearing compression stockings
C. Chronic osteomyelitis of the right femur
D. Skin traction following a left hip fracture
Explanation: A recent tibial fracture in a cast increases compartment syndrome risk due to swelling and pressure within a confined space. Ankle swelling, chronic osteomyelitis, and skin traction pose lower or different risks.
Question 4 of 5.
A nurse is taking care of a client that is status-post hand arthroplasty. When creating the care plan, which of the following nursing interventions should be avoided to prevent complications?
A. Encourage the client to perform finger and wrist exercises ten times per hour, using a full range of flexion and extension.
B. Place the client's personal items within reach of the client's non-operative arm.
C. Place the client's operative arm on a pillow to rest and keep it elevated.
D. Encourage the client to use the non-operative arm as much as possible.
Explanation: Excessive full range of motion exercises shortly after hand arthroplasty can strain the surgical site, risking damage or delayed healing. Elevation, using the non-operative arm, and placing items within reach are appropriate.
Question 5 of 5.
For each assessment finding below, click to specify if the finding is consistent with the disease process of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Each finding may support more than one (1) disease process. Note: Each column must have at least one (1) response option selected. Fatigue
| Description | Options |
|---|---|
| Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. |
|
| Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. |
|
| Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. |
|
| Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. |
|
Explanation: Fatigue is common in rheumatoid arthritis due to systemic inflammation. It is less typical in osteoarthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, which are more localized conditions.
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