Bones & Soft Tissues
Connective Tissue Disorders
Musculoskeletal Surgery
Medications
Fractures
100

A nurse is teaching a postmenopausal client about prevention of bone loss. Which intervention should the nurse emphasize?

Weight-bearing exercise and calcium intake

100

A nurse is caring for a client with rheumatoid arthritis. Which symptom is expected?

Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes

100

Following total hip arthroplasty, which action by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

A. Using an abduction pillow
B. Avoiding crossing the legs
C. Bending forward to tie shoes
D. Sitting in a high-seated chair

C. Bending forward to tie shoes?

100

A client with arthritis is prescribed ibuprofen. The nurse recognizes that this medication belongs to which class?

NSAID

100

A client arrives in the emergency department with a suspected fractured femur. What is the priority nursing assessment?

Neurovascular status of the affected extremity

200

A client with osteomyelitis is admitted to the medical unit. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect?

Localized bone pain and fever

200

A nurse is caring for a client with advanced osteoarthritis who reports severe knee pain and difficulty walking. The client is hesitant to undergo joint replacement surgery despite their reduced mobility. How should the nurse approach and educate this client to address concerns and encourage adherence to recommended treatment plans?

  • Begin with therapeutic communication by listening to the client?s concerns and validating their feelings about surgery.
  • Provide clear, evidence-based information on the benefits and risks of joint replacement surgery, including potential improvements in mobility and quality of life.
  • Discuss non-surgical interventions such as physical therapy, weight management, or assistive devices to manage pain and maintain function while the client considers their options.
  • Address any specific fears, such as recovery time or potential complications, with empathy and relevant education.
200

A nurse is caring for a client after a below-the-knee amputation. Which intervention helps prevent flexion contractures?

Have the client lie prone periodically

200

A client taking methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis should be monitored for toxicity affecting which organ?

Liver

200

Which finding is expected in a client with an open fracture?

Bone protruding through the skin

300

A client with a lower-leg injury reports severe pain despite opioid administration. The extremity is tense and swollen. What is the nurse's priority action?

Notify the provider immediately (Compartment syndrome)

300

A nurse is teaching a patient diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. Which patient statement indicates understanding of the teaching?

A. "I should keep my wrist flexed while sleeping."
B. "I will wear a wrist splint in a neutral position, especially at night."
C. "I should avoid all hand movements permanently."
D. "Heat should always be applied directly to the wrist."

Correct Answer: B. "I will wear a wrist splint in a neutral position, especially at night."

300

A client underwent knee arthroplasty and has a CPM machine prescribed. What is the primary purpose of this therapy?

Increase joint mobility and range of motion

300

Which client statement indicates understanding of long-term corticosteroid therapy?

A. "I can stop the medication abruptly."
B. "I should report signs of infection."
C. "This medication strengthens my bones."
D. "I do not need blood glucose monitoring."

B. "I should report signs of infection."

300

A nurse assesses the "6 Ps" after a fracture. Name all 6. 

Pain, Paresthesia, Pallor, Paralysis, Pulselessness, Poikilothermia

400

During a routine assessment, the nurse notices that an older adult client with osteoporosis has a hunched posture, reports lower back pain, and mentions recent difficulty with daily activities. How should the nurse prioritize care and implement interventions to reduce the risk of further complications such as falls or fractures?

  • Perform a thorough fall risk assessment to identify environmental and personal factors contributing to risk.
  • Implement measures such as physical therapy referral, clear pathways at home, and recommendations for appropriate footwear.
  • Educate the client on calcium and vitamin D supplementation and discuss dietary choices to support bone health.
  • Encourage weight-bearing exercises as tolerated to help maintain bone density and improve muscle strength.
  • Collaborate with the provider to review medications for potential side effects that may contribute to falls.
400

A client with acute gout reports severe pain in the great toe. Which dietary item should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?

Organ meats

400

On the first postoperative day after orthopedic surgery, a client reports calf pain and swelling. Which complication should the nurse suspect first?

Deep vein thrombosis

400

Allopurinol is prescribed for a client with gout. The nurse evaluates the medication as effective when:

Uric acid levels decrease

400

A client with a femur fracture suddenly develops shortness of breath, confusion, and a petechial rash. What complication should the nurse suspect?

Fat embolism syndrome

500

Which assessment finding indicates impaired neurovascular status in a client with a cast?

Reports of numbness and tingling

500

Which laboratory finding would the nurse expect in a client experiencing an acute gout attack?

Increased serum uric acid level

500

Which assessment finding after orthopedic surgery requires immediate follow-up?

A. Pain rating of 3/10
B. Capillary refill less than 3 seconds
C. Absent pedal pulse in the operative extremity
D. Mild edema

C. Absent pedal pulse in the operative extremity

500

Before administering adalimumab, which screening test is most important?

Tuberculosis screening

500

The nurse's priority action for a client exhibiting manifestations of fat embolism syndrome is to:

Administer oxygen and notify the provider

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