Deck 62: Musculoskeletal Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery

Question 1

Which discharge instruction will the emergency department nurse include for a patient with a sprained ankle?

A)Keep the ankle loosely wrapped with gauze.
B)Apply a heating pad to reduce muscle spasms.
C)Use pillows to elevate the ankle above the heart.
D)Gently move the ankle through the range of motion.

Answer 1

Use pillows to elevate the ankle above the heart.

Question 2

The nurse will instruct the patient with a fractured left radius that the cast will need to remain in place

A)for several months.
B)for at least 3 weeks.
C)until swelling of the wrist has resolved.
D)until x-rays show complete bony union.

Answer 2

for at least 3 weeks.

Question 3

A factory line worker has repetitive strain syndrome in the left elbow. The nurse will plan to teach the patient about

A)surgical options.
B)elbow injections.
C)wearing a left wrist splint.
D)modifying arm movements.

Answer 3

modifying arm movements.

Question 4

A patient with a complex pelvic fracture from a motor vehicle crash is on bed rest. Which nursing assessment finding indicates a potential complication of the fracture?

A)The patient states the pelvis feels unstable.
B)Abdomen is distended and bowel sounds are absent.
C)The patient complains of pelvic pain with palpation.
D)Ecchymoses are visible across the abdomen and hips.

Question 5

Which nursing intervention will be included in the plan of care after a patient with a right femur fracture has a hip spica cast applied?

A)Avoid placing the patient in prone position.
B)Ask the patient about abdominal discomfort.
C)Discuss remaining on bed rest for several weeks.
D)Use the cast support bar to reposition the patient.

Question 6

The nurse's discharge teaching for a patient who has had a repair of a fractured mandible will include information about

A)administration of nasogastric tube feedings.
B)how and when to cut the immobilizing wires.
C)the importance of high-fiber foods in the diet.
D)the use of sterile technique for dressing changes.

Question 7

A patient who is to have no weight bearing on the left leg is learning to walk using crutches. Which observation by the nurse indicates the patient can safely ambulate independently?

A)The patient moves the right crutch with the right leg and then the left crutch with the left leg.
B)The patient advances the left leg and both crutches together and then advances the right leg.
C)The patient uses the bedside chair to assist in balance as needed when ambulating in the room.
D)The patient keeps the padded area of the crutch firmly in the axillary area when ambulating.

Question 8

The day after a having a right below-the-knee amputation,a patient complains of pain in the missing right foot. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

A)Explain the reasons for the pain.
B)Administer prescribed analgesics.
C)Reposition the patient to assure good alignment.
D)Inform the patient that this pain will diminish over time.

Question 9

Which statement by a patient who has had an above-the-knee amputation indicates the nurse's discharge teaching has been effective?

A)"I should elevate my residual limb on a pillow 2 or 3 times a day."
B)"I should lie flat on my abdomen for 30 minutes 3 or 4 times a day."
C)"I should change the limb sock when it becomes soiled or each week."
D)"I should use lotion on the stump to prevent skin drying and cracking."

Question 10

The occupational health nurse will teach the patient whose job involves many hours of typing to

A)obtain a keyboard pad to support the wrist.
B)do stretching exercises before starting work.
C)wrap the wrists with compression bandages every morning.
D)avoid using nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain.

Question 11

After the health care provider recommends amputation for a patient who has nonhealing ischemic foot ulcers,the patient tells the nurse that he would rather die than have an amputation. Which response by the nurse is best?

A)"You are upset, but you may lose the foot anyway."
B)"Many people are able to function with a foot prosthesis."
C)"Tell me what you know about your options for treatment."
D)"If you do not want an amputation, you do not have to have it."

Question 12

Which statement by the patient indicates a good understanding of the nurse's teaching about a new short-arm synthetic cast?

A)"I can get the cast wet as long as I dry it right away with a hair dryer."
B)"I should avoid moving my fingers and elbow until the cast is removed."
C)"I will apply an ice pack to the cast over the fracture site off and on for 24 hours."
D)"I can use a cotton-tipped applicator to rub lotion on any dry areas under the cast."

Question 13

Which information will the nurse teach seniors at a community recreation center about ways to prevent fractures?

A)Tack down scatter rugs in the home.
B)Expect most falls to happen outside the home.
C)Buy shoes that provide good support and are comfortable to wear.
D)Get instruction in range-of-motion exercises from a physical therapist.

Question 14

A patient has a long-arm plaster cast applied for fracture immobilization. Until the cast has completely dried,the nurse should

A)keep the left arm in dependent position.
B)avoid handling the cast using fingertips.
C)place gauze around the cast edge to pad any roughness.
D)cover the cast with a small blanket to absorb the dampness.

Question 15

A patient who has had open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)of a hip fracture tells the nurse he is ready to get out of bed for the first time. Which action should the nurse take?

A)Check the patient's prescribed weight-bearing status.
B)Use a mechanical lift to transfer the patient to the chair.
C)Delegate the transfer to nursing assistive personnel (NAP).
D)Decrease the pain medication before getting the patient up.

Question 16

A patient with a right lower leg fracture will be discharged home with an external fixation device in place. Which information will the nurse teach?

A)"Check and clean the pin insertion sites daily."
B)"Remove the external fixator for your shower."
C)"Remain on bed rest until bone healing is complete."
D)"Take prophylactic antibiotics until the fixator is removed."

Question 17

A patient who has had open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)of left lower leg fractures continues to complain of severe pain in the leg 15 minutes after receiving the prescribed IV morphine. Pulses are faintly palpable and the foot is cool to the touch. Which action should the nurse take next?

A)Notify the health care provider.
B)Assess the incision for redness.
C)Reposition the left leg on pillows.
D)Check the patient's blood pressure.

Question 18

Which action will the nurse take in order to evaluate the effectiveness of Buck's traction for a patient who has an intracapsular fracture of the right femur?

A)Assess for hip pain.
B)Assess for contractures.
C)Check peripheral pulses.
D)Monitor for hip dislocation.

Question 19

A patient with a fracture of the left femoral neck has Buck's traction in place while waiting for surgery. To assess for pressure areas on the patient's back and sacral area and to provide skin care,the nurse should

A)loosen the traction and help the patient turn onto the unaffected side.
B)place a pillow between the patient's legs and turn gently to each side.
C)have the patient lift the buttocks slightly by using a trapeze over the bed.
D)turn the patient partially to each side with the assistance of another nurse.

Question 20

A tennis player has an arthroscopic repair of a rotator cuff injury performed in same-day surgery. When the nurse plans postoperative teaching for the patient,which information will be included?

A)"You will not be able to serve a tennis ball again."
B)"You will begin work with a physical therapist tomorrow."
C)"Keep the shoulder immobilizer on for the first 4 days to minimize pain."
D)"The surgeon will use the drop-arm test to determine the success of surgery."

Question 21

A young adult arrives in the emergency department with ankle swelling and severe pain after twisting an ankle playing basketball. Which of these prescribed interprofessional interventions will the nurse implement first?

A)Send the patient for ankle x-rays.
B)Wrap the ankle and apply an ice pack.
C)Administer naproxen (Naprosyn) 500 mg PO.
D)Give acetaminophen with codeine (Tylenol #3).

Question 22

Which action will the urgent care nurse take for a patient with a possible knee meniscus injury?

A)Encourage bed rest for 24 to 48 hours.
B)Apply an immobilizer to the affected leg.
C)Avoid palpation or movement of the knee.
D)Administer intravenous opioids for pain management.

Question 23

A patient who slipped and fell in the shower at home has a proximal left humerus fracture immobilized with a long-arm cast and a sling. Which nursing intervention will be included in the plan of care?

A)Use surgical net dressing to hang the arm from an IV pole.
B)Immobilize the fingers of the left hand with gauze dressings.
C)Assess the left axilla and change absorbent dressings as needed.
D)Assist the patient in passive range of motion (ROM) for the right arm.

Question 24

The nurse is caring for a patient who is to be discharged from the hospital 4 days after insertion of a femoral head prosthesis using a posterior approach. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for additional instruction?

A)"I should not cross my legs while sitting."
B)"I will use a toilet elevator on the toilet seat."
C)"I will have someone else put on my shoes and socks."
D)"I can sleep in any position that is comfortable for me."

Question 25

When assessing for Tinel's sign in a patient with possible right carpal tunnel syndrome,the nurse will ask the patient about

A)weakness in the right little finger.
B)burning in the right elbow and forearm.
C)tremor when gripping with the right hand.
D)tingling in the right thumb and index finger.

Question 26

After a motorcycle accident,a patient arrives in the emergency department with severe swelling of the left lower leg. Which action will the nurse take first?

A)Elevate the leg on 2 pillows.
B)Apply a compression bandage.
C)Assess leg pulses and sensation.
D)Place ice packs on the lower leg.

Question 27

Which nursing action for a patient who has had right hip arthroplasty can the nurse delegate to experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

A)Reposition the patient every 1 to 2 hours.
B)Assess for skin irritation on the patient's back.
C)Teach the patient quadriceps-setting exercises.
D)Determine the patient's pain intensity and tolerance.

Question 28

When giving home care instructions to a patient who has comminuted left forearm fractures and a long-arm cast,which information should the nurse include?

A)Keep the left shoulder elevated on a pillow or cushion.
B)Avoid nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
C)Call the health care provider for numbness of the hand.
D)Keep the hand immobile to prevent soft tissue swelling.

Question 29

Before assisting a patient with ambulation 2 days after total hip arthroplasty,which action is most important for the nurse to take?

A)Observe output from the surgical drain.
B)Administer prescribed pain medication.
C)Instruct the patient about benefits of early ambulation.
D)Change the dressing and document the wound appearance.

Question 30

A patient undergoes left above-the-knee amputation with an immediate prosthetic fitting. When the patient arrives on the orthopedic unit after surgery,the nurse should

A)assess the surgical site for hemorrhage.
B)remove the prosthesis and wrap the site.
C)place the patient in a side-lying position.
D)keep the residual limb elevated on a pillow.

Question 31

A patient is admitted to the emergency department with a left femur fracture. Which information obtained by the nurse is most important to report to the health care provider?

A)Ecchymosis of the left thigh
B)Complaints of severe thigh pain
C)Slow capillary refill of the left foot
D)Outward pointing toes on the left foot

Question 32

A patient arrived at the emergency department after tripping over a rug and falling at home. Which finding is most important for the nurse to communicate to the health care provider?

A)There is bruising at the shoulder area.
B)The patient reports arm and shoulder pain.
C)The right arm appears shorter than the left.
D)There is decreased shoulder range of motion.

Question 33

A patient who arrives at the emergency department experiencing severe left knee pain is diagnosed with a patellar dislocation. The initial patient teaching by the nurse will focus on the need for

A)a knee immobilizer.
B)gentle knee flexion.
C)monitored anesthesia care.
D)physical activity restrictions.

Question 34

A patient is being discharged 4 days after hip arthroplasty using the posterior approach. Which patient action requires intervention by the nurse?

A)The patient uses crutches with a swing-to gait.
B)The patient leans over to pull on shoes and socks.
C)The patient sits straight up on the edge of the bed.
D)The patient bends over the sink while brushing teeth.

Question 35

A pedestrian who was hit by a car is admitted to the emergency department with possible right lower leg fractures. The initial action by the nurse should be to

A)elevate the right leg.
B)splint the lower leg.
C)assess the pedal pulses.
D)verify tetanus immunization.

Question 36

The day after a 60-yr-old patient has open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)for an open,displaced tibial fracture,the nurse identifies the priority nursing diagnosis as

A)activity intolerance related to deconditioning.
B)risk for constipation related to prolonged bed rest.
C)risk for impaired skin integrity related to immobility.
D)risk for infection related to disruption of skin integrity.

Question 37

A high school teacher with ulnar drift caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA)is scheduled for arthroplasty of several joints in the left hand. Which patient statement to the nurse indicates a realistic expectation for the surgery?

A)"This procedure will correct the deformities in my fingers."
B)"I will not have to do as many hand exercises after the surgery."
C)"I will be able to use my fingers with more flexibility to grasp things."
D)"My fingers will appear more normal in size and shape after this surgery."

Question 38

Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient who had a cemented right total knee arthroplasty?

A)Avoid extension of the right knee beyond 120 degrees.
B)Use a compression bandage to keep the right knee flexed.
C)Teach about the need to avoid weight bearing for 4 weeks.
D)Start progressive knee exercises to obtain 90-degree flexion.

Question 39

The second day after admission with a fractured pelvis,a patient suddenly develops confusion. Which action should the nurse take first?

A)Take the blood pressure.
B)Assess patient orientation.
C)Check the O₂ saturation.
D)Observe for facial asymmetry.

Question 40

After being hospitalized for 3 days with a right femur fracture,a patient suddenly develops shortness of breath and tachypnea. The patient tells the nurse,"I feel like I am going to die!" Which action should the nurse take first?

A)Stay with the patient and offer reassurance.
B)Administer prescribed PRN O₂ at 4 L/min.
C)Check the patient's legs for swelling or tenderness.
D)Notify the health care provider about the symptoms.

Question 41

When caring for a patient who is using Buck's traction after a hip fracture,which action can the nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

A)Remove and reapply traction periodically.
B)Ensure the weight for the traction is hanging freely.
C)Monitor the skin under the traction boot for redness.
D)Check for intact sensation and movement in the affected leg.

Question 42

Based on the information in the accompanying figure obtained for a patient in the emergency room,which action will the nurse take first?

A)Administer the prescribed morphine 4 mg IV.
B)Contact the operating room to schedule surgery.
C)Check the patient's O₂ saturation using pulse oximetry.
D)Ask the patient about the date of the last tetanus immunization.

Question 43

In which order will the nurse take these actions when caring for a patient in the emergency department with a right leg fracture after a motor vehicle crash? (Put a comma and a space between each answer choice [A,B,C,D,E,F].)

A)Obtain x-rays.
B)Check pedal pulses.
C)Assess lung sounds.
D)Take blood pressure.
E)Apply splint to the leg.
F)Administer tetanus prophylaxis.

Question 44

Which finding in a patient with a Colles' fracture of the left wrist is most important to communicate immediately to the health care provider?

A)Swelling is noted around the wrist.
B)The patient is reporting severe pain.
C)The wrist has a deformed appearance.
D)Capillary refill to the fingers is prolonged.

Question 45

When a patient arrives in the emergency department with a facial fracture,which action will the nurse take first?

A)Assess for nasal bleeding and pain.
B)Apply ice to the face to reduce swelling.
C)Use a cervical collar to stabilize the spine.
D)Check the patient's alertness and orientation.

Question 46

Which information obtained by the nurse about a patient with a lumbar vertebral compression fracture requires an immediate report to the health care provider?

A)Patient refuses to be turned due to back pain.
B)Patient has been incontinent of urine and stool.
C)Patient reports lumbar area tenderness to palpation.
D)Patient frequently uses oral corticosteroids to treat asthma.

Question 47

After change-of-shift report,which patient should the nurse assess first?

A)Patient with a repaired mandibular fracture who is complaining of facial pain
B)Patient with an unrepaired intracapsular left hip fracture whose leg is externally rotated
C)Patient with an unrepaired Colles' fracture who has right wrist swelling and deformity
D)Patient with repaired right femoral shaft fracture who is complaining of tightness in the calf