Deck 25: Assessment of the Musculoskeletal System

Question 1

The nurse preparing a client for a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) test explains that the purpose of this test is to measure

A) amount of joint deformity.
B) degree of bone loss.
C) degree of fracture healing.
D) presence of bone infection.

Answer 1

degree of bone loss.

Question 2

To evaluate a client's swollen right knee further, the nurse should first

A) compare the right knee to the left knee.
B) palpate for crepitus.
C) put the knee through range of motion.
D) test muscle strength.

Answer 2

compare the right knee to the left knee.

Question 3

A client has had a cast for a week and returns to the orthopedic clinic complaining of an increased level of pain. The most appropriate action by the nurse is to

A) administer a stronger analgesic.
B) notify the physician immediately.
C) remove the cast and inspect the skin.
D) send the client for an x-ray.

Answer 3

remove the cast and inspect the skin.

Question 4

The nurse assesses the client for common musculoskeletal clinical manifestations, which include (Select all that apply)

A) infection.
B) limited range of motion.
C) pain.
D) stiffness.
E) swelling.

Question 5

The nurse assisting with an arthrocentesis provides which intervention after the procedure is over? The nurse

A) applies a compression dressing.
B) gives the client a tetanus shot.
C) teaches the client crutch-walking.
D) wraps a heating pad around the knee.

Question 6

The nurse is performing a musculoskeletal assessment on a client who is right-hand dominant. The variation in muscle mass the nurse expects to find is

A) atrophy.
B) fasciculations.
C) hypertrophy.
D) tremors.

Question 7

A client with a new cast for his fractured ulna tells the nurse that he cannot feel his fingers. The nurse should initially

A) check for capillary refill in the client's fingers.
B) notify the physician immediately.
C) reassure the client that this is normal.
D) remove the padding around the fingers to increase space.

Question 8

A client describes ripping sounds in his knee during a fall while skiing. The nurse explains to the client that the diagnostic test that will provide the best data is a(n)

A) arthrogram.
B) bone scan.
C) myelogram.
D) x-ray film.

Question 9

A client complains of deep aching in his lower leg. The nurse completes an assessment focusing on other indicators of

A) bone cancer.
B) infection.
C) muscle strain.
D) neuromuscular impairment.

Question 10

The client who has osteoarthritis describes a grating sound in the hip. The nurse explains that this bothersome manifestation is related to

A) bursa enlargement.
B) joint irregularities.
C) normal findings with age.
D) the presence of fluid.