MUSCULOSKELETAL MED-SURG EXAM LATEST 2026
UPDATE 100 QUESTIONS AND DETAILED VERIFIED
ANSWERS FROM ACTUAL EXAMS TEST GRADE A+
1. A patient with a femur fracture is at highest risk for which complication?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Fat embolism syndrome
C. Appendicitis
D. Hypertension
Answer: B. Fat embolism syndrome
Rationale: Long bone fractures release fat globules into circulation, which can
cause respiratory distress, petechiae, and neurologic changes.
2. Which sign is most indicative of compartment syndrome?
A. Bradycardia
B. Severe pain unrelieved by opioids
C. Increased urine output
D. Hypertension
Answer: B. Severe pain unrelieved by opioids
Rationale: Pain out of proportion is the earliest and most sensitive sign of
compartment syndrome.
3. What is the priority action for suspected spinal cord injury?
A. Turn patient to side
B. Remove cervical collar
,C. Maintain spinal immobilization
D. Encourage ambulation
Answer: C. Maintain spinal immobilization
Rationale: Preventing further spinal damage is the priority.
4. Which electrolyte imbalance is common in crush injuries?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypernatremia
Answer: B. Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Muscle breakdown releases potassium into the bloodstream.
5. Which finding is expected in osteoporosis?
A. Increased bone density
B. Brittle bones with fractures
C. Enlarged joints
D. Muscle hypertrophy
Answer: B. Brittle bones with fractures
Rationale: Osteoporosis causes decreased bone mass and fragility.
6. A priority nursing action after casting is applied is:
A. Keep cast dry and elevated
B. Insert objects under cast
C. Apply heat to cast
D. Massage cast edges
,Answer: A. Keep cast dry and elevated
Rationale: Elevation reduces swelling and prevents complications.
7. Which symptom indicates hip dislocation after replacement surgery?
A. Leg shortening and external rotation
B. Increased appetite
C. Bradycardia
D. Fever only
Answer: A. Leg shortening and external rotation
Rationale: Classic sign of hip dislocation.
8. The hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis is:
A. Asymmetric joint pain
B. Morning stiffness lasting >1 hour
C. Sudden trauma pain
D. Bone fracture
Answer: B. Morning stiffness lasting >1 hour
Rationale: RA is an autoimmune inflammatory disease with prolonged stiffness.
9. Which lab finding is most associated with gout?
A. Low uric acid
B. High uric acid
C. Low calcium
D. High sodium
Answer: B. High uric acid
Rationale: Hyperuricemia leads to urate crystal deposition.
, 10. The best initial imaging for suspected fracture is:
A. MRI
B. CT scan
C. X-ray
D. Ultrasound
Answer: C. X-ray
Rationale: X-ray is first-line for fracture identification.
11. Which complication is most common after total hip replacement?
A. Stroke
B. Dislocation
C. Pneumonia
D. Diabetes
Answer: B. Dislocation
Rationale: Improper positioning can displace prosthesis.
12. A sign of neurovascular compromise is:
A. Warm skin
B. Capillary refill <2 seconds
C. Numbness and tingling
D. Strong pulses
Answer: C. Numbness and tingling
Rationale: Paresthesia indicates nerve compression or ischemia.
13. Which condition requires immediate surgery?
A. Mild sprain
B. Compartment syndrome
UPDATE 100 QUESTIONS AND DETAILED VERIFIED
ANSWERS FROM ACTUAL EXAMS TEST GRADE A+
1. A patient with a femur fracture is at highest risk for which complication?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Fat embolism syndrome
C. Appendicitis
D. Hypertension
Answer: B. Fat embolism syndrome
Rationale: Long bone fractures release fat globules into circulation, which can
cause respiratory distress, petechiae, and neurologic changes.
2. Which sign is most indicative of compartment syndrome?
A. Bradycardia
B. Severe pain unrelieved by opioids
C. Increased urine output
D. Hypertension
Answer: B. Severe pain unrelieved by opioids
Rationale: Pain out of proportion is the earliest and most sensitive sign of
compartment syndrome.
3. What is the priority action for suspected spinal cord injury?
A. Turn patient to side
B. Remove cervical collar
,C. Maintain spinal immobilization
D. Encourage ambulation
Answer: C. Maintain spinal immobilization
Rationale: Preventing further spinal damage is the priority.
4. Which electrolyte imbalance is common in crush injuries?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypernatremia
Answer: B. Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Muscle breakdown releases potassium into the bloodstream.
5. Which finding is expected in osteoporosis?
A. Increased bone density
B. Brittle bones with fractures
C. Enlarged joints
D. Muscle hypertrophy
Answer: B. Brittle bones with fractures
Rationale: Osteoporosis causes decreased bone mass and fragility.
6. A priority nursing action after casting is applied is:
A. Keep cast dry and elevated
B. Insert objects under cast
C. Apply heat to cast
D. Massage cast edges
,Answer: A. Keep cast dry and elevated
Rationale: Elevation reduces swelling and prevents complications.
7. Which symptom indicates hip dislocation after replacement surgery?
A. Leg shortening and external rotation
B. Increased appetite
C. Bradycardia
D. Fever only
Answer: A. Leg shortening and external rotation
Rationale: Classic sign of hip dislocation.
8. The hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis is:
A. Asymmetric joint pain
B. Morning stiffness lasting >1 hour
C. Sudden trauma pain
D. Bone fracture
Answer: B. Morning stiffness lasting >1 hour
Rationale: RA is an autoimmune inflammatory disease with prolonged stiffness.
9. Which lab finding is most associated with gout?
A. Low uric acid
B. High uric acid
C. Low calcium
D. High sodium
Answer: B. High uric acid
Rationale: Hyperuricemia leads to urate crystal deposition.
, 10. The best initial imaging for suspected fracture is:
A. MRI
B. CT scan
C. X-ray
D. Ultrasound
Answer: C. X-ray
Rationale: X-ray is first-line for fracture identification.
11. Which complication is most common after total hip replacement?
A. Stroke
B. Dislocation
C. Pneumonia
D. Diabetes
Answer: B. Dislocation
Rationale: Improper positioning can displace prosthesis.
12. A sign of neurovascular compromise is:
A. Warm skin
B. Capillary refill <2 seconds
C. Numbness and tingling
D. Strong pulses
Answer: C. Numbness and tingling
Rationale: Paresthesia indicates nerve compression or ischemia.
13. Which condition requires immediate surgery?
A. Mild sprain
B. Compartment syndrome
