Musculoskeletal Assessment & Immobilization
A nurse is monitoring a client with a new cast. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Mild swelling
B. Cool fingers with weak pulse
C. Client reports mild itching
D. Pink, warm skin
B — Indicates possible compartment syndrome
When walking with a cane, the client should:
A. Hold it on the affected side
B. Hold it on the unaffected side
C. Hold it in either hand
D. Use both hands alternately
B. Hold it on the unaffected side
Which diagnostic test best visualizes soft-tissue injuries?
A. X-ray
B. MRI
C. CT scan
D. Bone scan
B. MRI
External respiration occurs between:
A. Bloodstream and body cells
B. Alveoli and capillaries
C. Bronchi and bronchioles
D. Heart and lungs
B. Alveoli and capillaries
Normal oxygen saturation (SpO₂) is:
A. 85–89 %
B. 90–94 %
C. 95–100 %
D. 100–105 %
C. 95–100 %
When handling a wet plaster cast, the nurse should use:
A. Fingertips
B. Palms of the hands
C. Sterile gloves
D. Towels to cover
B. Palms of the hands
When using a walker, the client moves which leg first?
A. Strong leg
B. Weak leg
C. Both legs together
D. Whichever feels comfortable
B. Weak leg
Which client should not undergo an MRI?
A. Pacemaker
B. Claustrophobia
C. Osteoarthritis
D. Kidney stones
A. Pacemaker
A crackling sensation under the skin of the chest indicates:
A. Fremitus
B. Crepitus
C. Resonance
D. Consolidation
B. Crepitus
A client on nasal cannula reports dry nose and throat. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Increase oxygen flow rate
B. Switch to a non-rebreather mask
C. Add humidifier to oxygen system
D. Offer water to drink only
C. Add humidifier to oxygen system
A client reports increasing pain under the cast despite analgesics. What should the nurse do first?
A. Reassure the client
B. Elevate the extremity
C. Assess for circulatory impairment
D. Document findings
C. Assess for circulatory impairment
When using crutches, the client should support body weight with:
A. Axillae
B. Hands and wrists
C. Elbows
D. Shoulders
B. Hands and wrists
Bone scans are ordered to detect:
A. Lung infections
B. Nerve damage
C. Metastatic bone disease
D. Muscle tears
C. Metastatic bone disease
Best time to collect a sputum specimen for culture is:
A. At bedtime
B. After lunch
C. Early morning
D. Anytime after meals
C. Early morning
Which oxygen device is best for a client with COPD exacerbation?
A. Non-rebreather mask
B. Venturi mask
C. Simple mask
D. Nasal cannula
B. Venturi mask
Which statement indicates correct cast care teaching?
A. “I will insert a pencil to scratch under the cast.”
B. “I’ll keep my cast dry and elevated.”
C. “If my fingers swell, I’ll ignore it.”
D. “I’ll cover my cast with plastic for long periods.”
B. “I’ll keep my cast dry and elevated.”
A nurse teaches a client recovering from hip replacement. Which statement shows correct understanding?
A. “I’ll cross my legs to prevent stiffness.”
B. “I’ll avoid bending my hip beyond 90°.”
C. “I’ll turn on my operative side for comfort.”
D. “I’ll sit in a low chair to rest my hip.”
B. “I’ll avoid bending my hip beyond 90°.”
When caring for a client in skeletal traction, the nurse should:
A. Remove weights every 4 hours
B. Allow weights to rest on the floor
C. Ensure weights hang freely
D. Adjust traction to relieve pain
C. Ensure weights hang freely
Which test measures lung capacity, volume, and flow rate?
A. Chest X-ray
B. Pulmonary function test
C. ABG
D. Throat culture
B. Pulmonary function test
Maximum oxygen flow rate for a non-rebreather mask:
A. 6 L/min
B. 8 L/min
C. 12 L/min
D. 15 L/min
D. 15 L/min
Which are signs of compartment syndrome? Select all that apply.
A. Pain unrelieved by medication
B. Cool, pale skin
C. Bounding pulses
D. Tingling or numbness
E. Decreased movement
A. Pain unrelieved by medication
B. Cool, pale skin
D. Tingling or numbness
E. Decreased movement
Which are correct safety guidelines for ambulation devices? Select all that apply.
A. Cane top should reach level of hip joint
B. Walker should be positioned 4 inches from feet
C. Use axilla for full weight bearing
D. Crutch tips 6 inches to side and front of foot
E. Keep elbows slightly flexed when using walker
A. Cane top should reach level of hip joint
B. Walker should be positioned 4 inches from feet
D. Crutch tips 6 inches to side and front of foot
E. Keep elbows slightly flexed when using walker
Which are true regarding traction care? Select all that apply.
A. Maintain straight alignment of the body
B. Ensure knots rest against the pulley
C. Assess skin integrity frequently
D. Keep weights off the floor
E. Remove weights for hygiene care
A. Maintain straight alignment of the body
C. Assess skin integrity frequently
D. Keep weights off the floor
Early signs of hypoxia include:
A. Tachypnea
B. Cyanosis
C. Irritability
D. Restlessness
E. Bradycardia
A. Tachypnea
C. Irritability
D. Restlessness
Which actions are appropriate when suctioning a tracheostomy? Select all that apply.
A. Pre-oxygenate before suctioning
B. Apply suction during insertion
C. Limit suctioning to 10–15 seconds
D. Use sterile technique
E. Insert catheter until resistance is met
A. Pre-oxygenate before suctioning
C. Limit suctioning to 10–15 seconds
D. Use sterile technique