Musculoskeletal: Med Surg Practice
Questions All Answered Correct 2026-
2027 Updated.
Which of the following are true about strains and sprains? SATA.
A. Strains have more bruising.
B. Sprains are an injury to the ligaments.
C. 3rd degree strains are considered "mild".
D. Hemarthrosis is a possible complication.
E. Most require surgical intervention. - Answer A, B, D
Muscles have a vascular supply (more bruising), 3rd degree strains are "severe", most are self-
limiting and resolve in 3-6 weeks
Which of the following statements said by a patient with a sprain would the nurse question?
SATA.
A. "For the first 24 hours I should apply heat, then ice after that."
B. "I should elevate my leg when I sit down."
C. "When applying ice, I should place it directly on my skin."
D. "I am so glad that I can have full mobility back in 7 days!" - Answer A, C, D
Apply ICE first 48 hours, then alternate between ice and heat
NEVER place ice directly on skin.
Full mobility should return in 3-6 weeks
Which of the following statements about dislocations is correct?
A. Dislocations are ortho emergencies!
B. A pinky is the most common dislocation site.
C. Only open reduction requires the use of anesthesia.
D. Future dislocations are far less likely, because the joint has grown stronger. - Answer A
Thumb, elbow, shoulder, hip, and patella are most common sites.
Both closed and open require anesthesia!
, Future dislocations are more likely after an occurrence.
A 54 year old accountant presents to an urgent care complaining of pain in her hand. Which of
the following statements said by a nurse needs to be corrected?
A. "Let's do a Phalen's test. If you're negative, then you may have carpal tunnel."
B. "If this is carpal tunnel, we can give you a steroid injection for short term relief"
C. "This could be due to repetitive motion for long periods of time, such as typing."
D. "We need to figure out what is causing this before we intervene" - Answer A
A positive Phalen's test indicates carpal tunnel.
Need to fix the underlying cause!!
Which of the following patients are at risk for rotator cuff injury? SATA.
A. A 26 year old that competes in competitive gymnastics.
B. An 65 year old accountant.
C. A 16 year old that constantly falls off his skateboard.
D. A 30 year old that eats only fast food. - Answer A, B, C
Causes include: repetitive stress (sports!!), aging, trauma
A 45 year old woman comes to your clinic with a rotator cuff injury. Which of the following
treatments could be included in her care? SATA.
A. Ibuprofen
B. Closed reduction
C. Corticosteroids
D. Strict immobilization for 3-6 weeks - Answer A,C
Open reduction could be used, and immobilization should be used intermittently
Your 16-year-old neighbor comes to you with a question, knowing that you are a nurse. She asks
"I hurt my knee in my basketball game a few hours ago. It keeps popping and it really hurts.
What should I do?" You reply saying....
A. "Elevate your knee and ice it. If it still hurts in 2 days, go see your doctor."
B. "Go see your doctor as soon as possible."
C. "You probably fractured your knee. Let me put on a cast for you!"
D. "Try doing some stretches before you work out tomorrow. That should help." - Answer B.
Questions All Answered Correct 2026-
2027 Updated.
Which of the following are true about strains and sprains? SATA.
A. Strains have more bruising.
B. Sprains are an injury to the ligaments.
C. 3rd degree strains are considered "mild".
D. Hemarthrosis is a possible complication.
E. Most require surgical intervention. - Answer A, B, D
Muscles have a vascular supply (more bruising), 3rd degree strains are "severe", most are self-
limiting and resolve in 3-6 weeks
Which of the following statements said by a patient with a sprain would the nurse question?
SATA.
A. "For the first 24 hours I should apply heat, then ice after that."
B. "I should elevate my leg when I sit down."
C. "When applying ice, I should place it directly on my skin."
D. "I am so glad that I can have full mobility back in 7 days!" - Answer A, C, D
Apply ICE first 48 hours, then alternate between ice and heat
NEVER place ice directly on skin.
Full mobility should return in 3-6 weeks
Which of the following statements about dislocations is correct?
A. Dislocations are ortho emergencies!
B. A pinky is the most common dislocation site.
C. Only open reduction requires the use of anesthesia.
D. Future dislocations are far less likely, because the joint has grown stronger. - Answer A
Thumb, elbow, shoulder, hip, and patella are most common sites.
Both closed and open require anesthesia!
, Future dislocations are more likely after an occurrence.
A 54 year old accountant presents to an urgent care complaining of pain in her hand. Which of
the following statements said by a nurse needs to be corrected?
A. "Let's do a Phalen's test. If you're negative, then you may have carpal tunnel."
B. "If this is carpal tunnel, we can give you a steroid injection for short term relief"
C. "This could be due to repetitive motion for long periods of time, such as typing."
D. "We need to figure out what is causing this before we intervene" - Answer A
A positive Phalen's test indicates carpal tunnel.
Need to fix the underlying cause!!
Which of the following patients are at risk for rotator cuff injury? SATA.
A. A 26 year old that competes in competitive gymnastics.
B. An 65 year old accountant.
C. A 16 year old that constantly falls off his skateboard.
D. A 30 year old that eats only fast food. - Answer A, B, C
Causes include: repetitive stress (sports!!), aging, trauma
A 45 year old woman comes to your clinic with a rotator cuff injury. Which of the following
treatments could be included in her care? SATA.
A. Ibuprofen
B. Closed reduction
C. Corticosteroids
D. Strict immobilization for 3-6 weeks - Answer A,C
Open reduction could be used, and immobilization should be used intermittently
Your 16-year-old neighbor comes to you with a question, knowing that you are a nurse. She asks
"I hurt my knee in my basketball game a few hours ago. It keeps popping and it really hurts.
What should I do?" You reply saying....
A. "Elevate your knee and ice it. If it still hurts in 2 days, go see your doctor."
B. "Go see your doctor as soon as possible."
C. "You probably fractured your knee. Let me put on a cast for you!"
D. "Try doing some stretches before you work out tomorrow. That should help." - Answer B.
