Musculoskeletal NCLEX Questions
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Question 1 of 5.
The college student consults the clinic nurse for advice on managing lower back pain. Which instructions should the nurse include? Select all that apply.
A. Continue routine activity within your pain tolerance while paying attention to correct posture.
B. Temporarily avoid lifting and other activities that increase mechanical stress on your spine.
C. When sleeping on your side, flex your hips and knees and place a pillow between your knees.
D. Stay at home for 1 week on bedrest to minimize physical activity and straining your back.
E. Stand intermittently during classes, and sit with a soft support at the small of your back.
Explanation: A. Remaining active is best. Using good posture will minimize back strain. B. Mechanical stress can increase pain. Prolonged unsupported sitting, heavy lifting, and bending or twisting the back, especially while lifting, should be avoided. C. Using pillows and hip and knee flexion promotes lumbar flexion and back alignment. E. Prolonged sitting should be avoided because fatigue contributes to spasm of the back muscles. Lordosis can be decreased by using a soft support at the small of the back.
Question 2 of 5.
The 34-year-old male client presents to the outpatient clinic complaining of numbness and pain radiating down the left leg. Which further data should the nurse assess?
A. Posture and gait.
B. Bending and stooping.
C. Leg lifts and arm swing.
D. Waist twists and neck mobility.
Explanation: Numbness and radiating leg pain suggest sciatica from a herniated disk; assessing posture and gait evaluates nerve impingement effects. Other options are less specific to lumbar radiculopathy.
Question 3 of 5.
The nurse is administering 0730 medications to clients on a medical orthopedic unit. Which medication should be administered first?
A. The daily cardiac glycoside to a client diagnosed with back pain and heart failure.
B. The routine insulin to a client diagnosed with neck strain and type 1 diabetes.
C. The oral proton pump inhibitor to a client scheduled for a laminectomy this a.m.
D. The fourth dose of IV antibiotic for a client diagnosed with a surgical infection.
Explanation: Insulin for type 1 diabetes prevents hyperglycemia, a life-threatening risk, and takes priority. Cardiac glycoside, PPI, and antibiotics are important but less urgent.
Question 4 of 5.
Which client goal is most appropriate for a client diagnosed with OA?
A. Perform passive range-of-motion exercises.
B. Maintain optimal functional ability.
C. Client will walk three (3) miles every day.
D. Client will join a health club.
Explanation: Maintaining optimal function aligns with OA management, promoting mobility and independence. Passive ROM is inappropriate, 3 miles daily is unrealistic, and joining a health club is nonspecific.
Question 5 of 5.
The client diagnosed with osteoporosis asks the nurse, 'Why does smoking cigarettes cause my bones to be brittle?' Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Smoking causes nutritional deficiencies, which contribute to osteoporosis.'
B. Tobacco causes an increase in blood supply to the bones, causing osteoporosis.'
C. Smoking low-tar cigarettes will not cause your bones to become brittle.'
D. Nicotine impairs the absorption of calcium, causing decreased bone strength.'
Explanation: Nicotine reduces calcium absorption, contributing to bone loss in osteoporosis. Nutritional deficiencies are secondary, blood supply does not increase, and low-tar cigarettes still harm bones.