Question 1

Which manifestations is the nurse most likely to assess in a patient with a simple closed fracture of the radial bone?

Accepted Answer

A simple closed fracture is characterized by pain and intact skin without any bone protrusion or broken skin.

Question 2

How should the nurse respond when a patient with a fracture asks if the bone will return to its original strength?

Accepted Answer

Bones typically regain their original strength after a fracture, but it can take several months to years for complete remodeling and strengthening to occur.

Question 3

Which statement by a patient scheduled for surgery for malunion of a fractured femur indicates to the nurse that he understands the reason for surgery?

Accepted Answer

Malunion refers to a fracture that has healed but in an incorrect position or alignment, which is why surgery is needed to correct it.

Question 4

A patient with a fractured femur has pins inserted through the skin with a rod holding the pins in place. The nurse documents that the patient has had which type of procedure?

Accepted Answer

External fixation involves the use of pins or screws inserted into the bone through the skin, which are then connected to an external frame or rod to stabilize the fracture.

Question 5

A patient in a cast for a right tibial fracture complains of increasing pain, unrelieved by analgesics. Assessment by the nurse reveals paresthesias and paleness of the right foot. What action should the nurse take first?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms suggest compartment syndrome, a medical emergency. Immediate notification of the physician is crucial to prevent permanent damage.

Question 6

Which assessment finding in a patient with a fractured femur would lead the nurse to suspect a fat embolism?

Accepted Answer

Fat embolism syndrome often presents with respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea and tachypnea due to fat globules obstructing pulmonary capillaries.

Question 7

What finding would the nurse expect when assessing a patient with a right shoulder subluxation?

Accepted Answer

A right shoulder subluxation typically presents with a deformity and reduced joint mobility due to the partial dislocation of the shoulder joint.

Question 8

Which finding should alert the nurse that a patient is experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Shaking the affected hand and wrist often alleviates the pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, as it can relieve pressure on the median nerve.

Question 9

Which assessment data indicates a positive Phalen test?

Accepted Answer

A positive Phalen test is indicated by tingling or numbness in the fingers when the wrist is flexed, which suggests carpal tunnel syndrome.

Question 10

Which instruction should the nurse give to the patient for the initial management of acute bursitis of the knee?

Accepted Answer

Resting the joint is crucial in the initial management of acute bursitis to reduce inflammation and prevent further irritation.

Question 11

Which of the following statements indicates that more discharge teaching is needed for the patient receiving traditional treatment in the emergency department for a sprained ankle?

Accepted Answer

Applying heat to a sprained ankle is not recommended initially as it can increase swelling and inflammation. Cold therapy is typically advised to reduce swelling and pain.

Question 12

Which statement is typical of data collected from a patient with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear?

Accepted Answer

Patients with an ACL tear often report hearing a "pop" sound at the time of injury, followed by the knee giving out or feeling unstable.

Question 13

Which statement by a patient indicates an understanding of postoperative instructions following rotator cuff repair?

Accepted Answer

Passive range of motion exercises are typically recommended for the first 6 weeks following rotator cuff repair to allow for healing before progressing to active exercises.

Question 14

Which local indications is the nurse likely to assess in a patient with osteomyelitis of the hip?

Accepted Answer

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, and local indications typically include bone pain, redness, and warmth at the site of infection.

Question 15

Which of the following patients does the nurse recognize as being at highest risk for a benign bone tumor?

Accepted Answer

Benign bone tumors are most commonly found in children and adolescents, as they are still growing and developing, making a 13-year-old child the highest risk group among the options provided.

Question 16

When assessing a 17-year-old with Ewing sarcoma, the nurse understands that the most likely affected bones are:

Accepted Answer

Ewing sarcoma is a type of cancer that occurs in the bone or soft tissue. It is most commonly found in the shaft of long bones, such as the femur, tibia, and humerus, as well as in flat bones, such as the pelvis and scapula.

Question 17

Which population does the nurse understand is most at risk for osteosarcoma?

Accepted Answer

Osteosarcoma is most commonly diagnosed in young adults, particularly males, during their rapid growth spurts in adolescence and young adulthood.

Question 18

What is the best response by the nurse when a patient with a fractured femur asks the nurse to explain Buck traction?

Accepted Answer

Buck traction is a form of skin traction used to align bone ends, typically in cases like a fractured femur, by applying a pulling force to the skin.

Question 19

Following a bone fracture, which of the following patients does the nurse identify as being at greatest risk for infection?

Accepted Answer

Surgical correction of a fracture involves an open procedure, which increases the risk of infection compared to non-surgical methods.

Question 20

Which response should the nurse give when a parent of a child with a greenstick fracture asks the nurse to explain this type of fracture?

Accepted Answer

A greenstick fracture is a type of fracture where the bone bends and cracks, but does not break completely into separate pieces, similar to how a green twig bends and breaks partially.

Quiz 35: Acute Musculoskeletal Disorders