Musculoskeletal NCLEX Questions with Rationale
Home / Nursing & Allied Health Certifications / NCLEX PN / Musculoskeletal
Question 1 of 5.
Which assessment finding is the best indication that the client is experiencing secondary complications from the fractured ribs?
A. Irregular pulse rate
B. The client's affected leg is shorter than her unaffected leg.
C. The client's affected leg is shorter than her unaffected leg.
D. The client's affected leg is executed leg is externally rotated.
E. The client prefers to sit rather than lie flat.
Explanation: Fractured ribs can cause complications like pneumothorax or hemothorax, leading to difficulty breathing when lying flat. The client's preference to sit upright suggests respiratory distress, a secondary complication. Leg findings are unrelated to rib fractures, and irregular pulse is less specific.
Question 2 of 5.
The nurse is working with an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which action by the UAP warrants immediate intervention?
A. The UAP feeds a client two (2) days postoperative cervical laminectomy a regular diet.
B. The UAP calls for help when turning to the side a client who is post-lumbar laminectomy.
C. The UAP is helping the client who weighs 300 pounds and is diagnosed with back pain to the chair.
D. The UAP places the call light within reach of the client who had a disk fusion.
Explanation: A regular diet post-cervical laminectomy risks aspiration if swallowing is impaired; this requires immediate intervention. Calling for help, assisting a heavy client, and placing the call light are appropriate.
Question 3 of 5.
The client has been diagnosed with OA for the last seven (7) years and has tried multiple medical treatments and alternative treatments but still has significant joint pain. Which psychosocial client problem should the nurse identify?
A. Severe pain.
B. Body image disturbance.
C. Knowledge deficit.
D. Depression.
Explanation: Chronic OA pain often leads to depression due to persistent discomfort and functional limitations. Pain is physiological, body image is less relevant, and knowledge deficit is not indicated.
Question 4 of 5.
The nurse is caring for the following clients. After receiving the shift report, which client should the nurse assess first?
A. The client with a total knee replacement who is complaining of a cold foot.
B. The client diagnosed with osteoarthritis who is complaining of stiff joints.
C. The client who needs to receive a scheduled intravenous antibiotic.
D. The client diagnosed with back pain who is scheduled for a lumbar myelogram.
Explanation: A cold foot post-knee replacement suggests vascular compromise, requiring urgent assessment to prevent tissue damage. Stiff joints, antibiotics, and myelogram prep are lower priority.
Question 5 of 5.
The client newly diagnosed with osteoporosis is prescribed calcitonin by nasal spray. Which assessment data indicate to the nurse an adverse effect of the medication?
A. The client complains of nausea and vomiting.
B. The client is drinking two (2) glasses of milk a day.
C. The client has a runny nose and nasal itching.
D. The client has had numerous episodes of nosebleeds.
Explanation: Runny nose and nasal itching are common adverse effects of nasal calcitonin. Nausea is less common, milk intake is unrelated, and nosebleeds are not typical.