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ATI Musculoskeletal Disorders Practice Exam Preparation
With Complete Questions And Correct Answers With
Rationales Already Graded A+ Brand New Version!!
1. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription
for alendronate (Fosamax) for the treatment of osteoporosis. Which of
the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Take the medication with a full glass of water immediately after
breakfast.
B. Take the medication with a full glass of water on an empty
stomach upon waking.
C. Remain in a supine position for at least 30 minutes after taking the
medication.
D. Chew the tablet thoroughly to enhance absorption.
Answer: B. Take the medication with a full glass of water on an empty
stomach upon waking.
Rationale: Alendronate must be taken on an empty stomach with a
full glass of water to ensure proper absorption and prevent esophageal
irritation. The client should remain upright for at least 30 minutes to
prevent esophageal ulceration .
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2. Which laboratory value would the nurse expect to be elevated in a
client experiencing acute osteomyelitis?
A. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
B. Decreased white blood cell count
C. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP)
D. Reduced platelet count
Answer: C. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP).
Rationale: Acute osteomyelitis is an inflammatory and infectious
process. This leads to elevated markers of inflammation, including C-
reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and white
blood cell count .
3. A nurse is caring for a client with a newly applied hip spica cast.
Which assessment finding indicates neurovascular compromise?
A. The client reports a feeling of warmth over the casted area.
B. The client is able to wiggle the toes on the affected extremity.
C. The client reports pain that is unrelieved by prescribed analgesics.
D. The client's capillary refill is less than two seconds on the affected
extremity.
Answer: C. The client reports pain that is unrelieved by prescribed
analgesics.
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Rationale: Pain that is severe, unrelieved by medication, and worsens
with passive stretching is a hallmark sign of compartment syndrome, a
neurovascular emergency. The other findings are generally expected or
indicate adequate perfusion .
4. A client who sustained a fracture of the femur is now presenting
with respiratory distress, confusion, and a petechial rash on the chest.
The nurse should suspect which complication?
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Fat embolism syndrome
C. Acute respiratory distress syndrome
D. Anaphylactic shock
Answer: B. Fat embolism syndrome.
Rationale: Fat embolism syndrome is a serious complication
associated with long-bone and pelvic fractures. The classic triad of
symptoms includes respiratory distress, neurological changes
(confusion), and a petechial rash .
5. Which intervention is appropriate when caring for a client in Buck's
traction?
A. Remove the weights during repositioning to prevent muscle
spasms.
B. Place the weights on the floor when ambulating the client.
C. Maintain continuous traction to ensure proper alignment.
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D. Elevate the weights above the level of the pulley to increase
counter-traction.
Answer: C. Maintain continuous traction to ensure proper alignment.
Rationale: Buck's traction is a type of skin traction that must be
maintained continuously to provide proper alignment of the fractured
bone and reduce muscle spasms. The weights should never be removed
or placed on the floor except in an emergency, as this would release the
traction .
6. A client with Paget's disease is at greatest risk for which
complication?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Renal failure
C. Pathological fractures
D. Hyperthyroidism
Answer: C. Pathological fractures.
Rationale: Paget's disease is characterized by abnormal and
disorganized bone remodeling, leading to structurally weak bones. This
significantly increases the client's risk for pathological fractures .
7. Which assessment finding is expected in a client with an acute gout
attack?
A. Decreased serum uric acid
ATI Musculoskeletal Disorders Practice Exam Preparation
With Complete Questions And Correct Answers With
Rationales Already Graded A+ Brand New Version!!
1. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription
for alendronate (Fosamax) for the treatment of osteoporosis. Which of
the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Take the medication with a full glass of water immediately after
breakfast.
B. Take the medication with a full glass of water on an empty
stomach upon waking.
C. Remain in a supine position for at least 30 minutes after taking the
medication.
D. Chew the tablet thoroughly to enhance absorption.
Answer: B. Take the medication with a full glass of water on an empty
stomach upon waking.
Rationale: Alendronate must be taken on an empty stomach with a
full glass of water to ensure proper absorption and prevent esophageal
irritation. The client should remain upright for at least 30 minutes to
prevent esophageal ulceration .
,2|Page
2. Which laboratory value would the nurse expect to be elevated in a
client experiencing acute osteomyelitis?
A. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
B. Decreased white blood cell count
C. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP)
D. Reduced platelet count
Answer: C. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP).
Rationale: Acute osteomyelitis is an inflammatory and infectious
process. This leads to elevated markers of inflammation, including C-
reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and white
blood cell count .
3. A nurse is caring for a client with a newly applied hip spica cast.
Which assessment finding indicates neurovascular compromise?
A. The client reports a feeling of warmth over the casted area.
B. The client is able to wiggle the toes on the affected extremity.
C. The client reports pain that is unrelieved by prescribed analgesics.
D. The client's capillary refill is less than two seconds on the affected
extremity.
Answer: C. The client reports pain that is unrelieved by prescribed
analgesics.
,3|Page
Rationale: Pain that is severe, unrelieved by medication, and worsens
with passive stretching is a hallmark sign of compartment syndrome, a
neurovascular emergency. The other findings are generally expected or
indicate adequate perfusion .
4. A client who sustained a fracture of the femur is now presenting
with respiratory distress, confusion, and a petechial rash on the chest.
The nurse should suspect which complication?
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Fat embolism syndrome
C. Acute respiratory distress syndrome
D. Anaphylactic shock
Answer: B. Fat embolism syndrome.
Rationale: Fat embolism syndrome is a serious complication
associated with long-bone and pelvic fractures. The classic triad of
symptoms includes respiratory distress, neurological changes
(confusion), and a petechial rash .
5. Which intervention is appropriate when caring for a client in Buck's
traction?
A. Remove the weights during repositioning to prevent muscle
spasms.
B. Place the weights on the floor when ambulating the client.
C. Maintain continuous traction to ensure proper alignment.
, 4|Page
D. Elevate the weights above the level of the pulley to increase
counter-traction.
Answer: C. Maintain continuous traction to ensure proper alignment.
Rationale: Buck's traction is a type of skin traction that must be
maintained continuously to provide proper alignment of the fractured
bone and reduce muscle spasms. The weights should never be removed
or placed on the floor except in an emergency, as this would release the
traction .
6. A client with Paget's disease is at greatest risk for which
complication?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Renal failure
C. Pathological fractures
D. Hyperthyroidism
Answer: C. Pathological fractures.
Rationale: Paget's disease is characterized by abnormal and
disorganized bone remodeling, leading to structurally weak bones. This
significantly increases the client's risk for pathological fractures .
7. Which assessment finding is expected in a client with an acute gout
attack?
A. Decreased serum uric acid
