West Coast University NURS 120 Week 3 Quiz (pdf) |
2026/2027 | Medical-Surgical Nursing: Mobility & Tissue
Integrity Q&A | Nursing
1. Which condition is characterized by swelling or bleeding that causes increased pressure
within a limited anatomical space?
A) Osteomyelitis
B) Compartment syndrome
C) Osteoarthritis
D) Venous stasis ulcer
Correct Answer: Compartment syndrome
Rationale: Compartment syndrome occurs when swelling or bleeding within a closed fascial
compartment raises pressure, impairing circulation and nerve function. Osteomyelitis is an infection,
osteoarthritis is degenerative joint disease, and venous stasis ulcers result from chronic venous
insufficiency. Early recognition prevents irreversible tissue damage.
2. What is the most common cause of compartment syndrome in the extremities?
A) Long bone fractures and crushing injuries
B) Rheumatoid arthritis flare
C) Peripheral vascular disease
D) Prolonged bed rest
Correct Answer: Long bone fractures and crushing injuries
Rationale: Compartment syndrome most often results from long bone fractures, extensive soft tissue
damage, or crushing injuries that produce bleeding and edema within a fascial compartment.
Arthritis, vascular disease, and immobility are not typical precipitants. Recognizing high-risk
mechanisms promotes early assessment.
3. Which surgical intervention is performed to relieve pressure in compartment syndrome?
A) Amputation
B) Joint replacement
C) Fasciotomy
D) Debridement
Correct Answer: Fasciotomy
Rationale: Fasciotomy involves surgical incision of the fascia to release pressure and restore perfusion
to the affected compartment. Amputation is a last resort, joint replacement addresses arthritis, and
debridement removes necrotic tissue. Prompt fasciotomy is limb-saving.
, 4. A nurse assesses a patient with a tibial fracture who reports increasing pain unrelieved by
opioids. Which finding requires immediate notification of the provider?
A) Warm toes with capillary refill of 2 seconds
B) Pain with passive stretch of the toes
C) Swelling that has stabilized since admission
D) Pulse oximetry reading of 98%
Correct Answer: Pain with passive stretch of the toes
Rationale: Pain with passive stretch is an early and sensitive indicator of compartment syndrome,
indicating muscle ischemia. Warm toes, stable swelling, and normal oxygen saturation do not suggest
acute compartment compromise. Immediate provider notification is essential to prevent permanent
damage.
5. Which assessment finding is most concerning in a patient with a newly applied cast?
A) Capillary refill of 3 seconds in the casted extremity
B) Complaint of itching under the cast
C) Foul odor emanating from the cast
D) Mild swelling at the cast edges
Correct Answer: Capillary refill of 3 seconds in the casted extremity
Rationale: Capillary refill greater than 2 seconds indicates impaired arterial perfusion and may signal
compartment syndrome or cast tightness. Itching is expected, foul odor suggests infection but is not
immediately limb-threatening, and mild swelling at edges is common. Neurovascular compromise
requires urgent intervention.
6. Which structure connects muscle to bone and transmits contractile force to produce
movement?
A) Ligament
B) Tendon
C) Cartilage
D) Bursa
Correct Answer: Tendon
Rationale: Tendons attach muscle to bone and transmit the force generated by muscle contraction to
create movement. Ligaments connect bone to bone, cartilage cushions joint surfaces, and bursae
reduce friction. This distinction is fundamental to musculoskeletal assessment.
7. What is the primary function of articular cartilage in a synovial joint?
A) Producing synovial fluid
B) Connecting bone to bone
, C) Reducing friction and cushioning bone ends
D) Transmitting nerve impulses
Correct Answer: Reducing friction and cushioning bone ends
Rationale: Articular cartilage covers the ends of bones in synovial joints, reducing friction and
absorbing shock during movement. Synovial fluid is produced by the synovial membrane, ligaments
connect bones, and nerve transmission is unrelated. Cartilage integrity is essential for painless joint
motion.
8. Which type of joint permits the greatest range of motion?
A) Fibrous
B) Cartilaginous
C) Synovial
D) Suture
Correct Answer: Synovial
Rationale: Synovial joints are freely movable and include the shoulder, hip, and knee, allowing
extensive range of motion. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints permit limited or no movement, and
sutures are immovable fibrous joints of the skull. Synovial structure supports functional mobility.
9. Which finding indicates adequate circulation to an injured lower extremity?
A) Pale, cool skin
B) Absent pedal pulse
C) Warm skin with palpable pulses
D) Increasing numbness in the toes
Correct Answer: Warm skin with palpable pulses
Rationale: Adequate perfusion is evidenced by warm skin, palpable pulses, and normal sensation.
Pale cool skin, absent pulses, and increasing numbness indicate impaired circulation and require
urgent evaluation. These neurovascular checks guide timely intervention.
10. A patient with a fractured femur develops fat embolism syndrome. Which manifestation
should the nurse expect?
A) Petechial rash on the chest and axillae
B) Bradycardia and hypertension
C) Hematuria and flank pain
D) Jaundice and clay-colored stools
Correct Answer: Petechial rash on the chest and axillae
2026/2027 | Medical-Surgical Nursing: Mobility & Tissue
Integrity Q&A | Nursing
1. Which condition is characterized by swelling or bleeding that causes increased pressure
within a limited anatomical space?
A) Osteomyelitis
B) Compartment syndrome
C) Osteoarthritis
D) Venous stasis ulcer
Correct Answer: Compartment syndrome
Rationale: Compartment syndrome occurs when swelling or bleeding within a closed fascial
compartment raises pressure, impairing circulation and nerve function. Osteomyelitis is an infection,
osteoarthritis is degenerative joint disease, and venous stasis ulcers result from chronic venous
insufficiency. Early recognition prevents irreversible tissue damage.
2. What is the most common cause of compartment syndrome in the extremities?
A) Long bone fractures and crushing injuries
B) Rheumatoid arthritis flare
C) Peripheral vascular disease
D) Prolonged bed rest
Correct Answer: Long bone fractures and crushing injuries
Rationale: Compartment syndrome most often results from long bone fractures, extensive soft tissue
damage, or crushing injuries that produce bleeding and edema within a fascial compartment.
Arthritis, vascular disease, and immobility are not typical precipitants. Recognizing high-risk
mechanisms promotes early assessment.
3. Which surgical intervention is performed to relieve pressure in compartment syndrome?
A) Amputation
B) Joint replacement
C) Fasciotomy
D) Debridement
Correct Answer: Fasciotomy
Rationale: Fasciotomy involves surgical incision of the fascia to release pressure and restore perfusion
to the affected compartment. Amputation is a last resort, joint replacement addresses arthritis, and
debridement removes necrotic tissue. Prompt fasciotomy is limb-saving.
, 4. A nurse assesses a patient with a tibial fracture who reports increasing pain unrelieved by
opioids. Which finding requires immediate notification of the provider?
A) Warm toes with capillary refill of 2 seconds
B) Pain with passive stretch of the toes
C) Swelling that has stabilized since admission
D) Pulse oximetry reading of 98%
Correct Answer: Pain with passive stretch of the toes
Rationale: Pain with passive stretch is an early and sensitive indicator of compartment syndrome,
indicating muscle ischemia. Warm toes, stable swelling, and normal oxygen saturation do not suggest
acute compartment compromise. Immediate provider notification is essential to prevent permanent
damage.
5. Which assessment finding is most concerning in a patient with a newly applied cast?
A) Capillary refill of 3 seconds in the casted extremity
B) Complaint of itching under the cast
C) Foul odor emanating from the cast
D) Mild swelling at the cast edges
Correct Answer: Capillary refill of 3 seconds in the casted extremity
Rationale: Capillary refill greater than 2 seconds indicates impaired arterial perfusion and may signal
compartment syndrome or cast tightness. Itching is expected, foul odor suggests infection but is not
immediately limb-threatening, and mild swelling at edges is common. Neurovascular compromise
requires urgent intervention.
6. Which structure connects muscle to bone and transmits contractile force to produce
movement?
A) Ligament
B) Tendon
C) Cartilage
D) Bursa
Correct Answer: Tendon
Rationale: Tendons attach muscle to bone and transmit the force generated by muscle contraction to
create movement. Ligaments connect bone to bone, cartilage cushions joint surfaces, and bursae
reduce friction. This distinction is fundamental to musculoskeletal assessment.
7. What is the primary function of articular cartilage in a synovial joint?
A) Producing synovial fluid
B) Connecting bone to bone
, C) Reducing friction and cushioning bone ends
D) Transmitting nerve impulses
Correct Answer: Reducing friction and cushioning bone ends
Rationale: Articular cartilage covers the ends of bones in synovial joints, reducing friction and
absorbing shock during movement. Synovial fluid is produced by the synovial membrane, ligaments
connect bones, and nerve transmission is unrelated. Cartilage integrity is essential for painless joint
motion.
8. Which type of joint permits the greatest range of motion?
A) Fibrous
B) Cartilaginous
C) Synovial
D) Suture
Correct Answer: Synovial
Rationale: Synovial joints are freely movable and include the shoulder, hip, and knee, allowing
extensive range of motion. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints permit limited or no movement, and
sutures are immovable fibrous joints of the skull. Synovial structure supports functional mobility.
9. Which finding indicates adequate circulation to an injured lower extremity?
A) Pale, cool skin
B) Absent pedal pulse
C) Warm skin with palpable pulses
D) Increasing numbness in the toes
Correct Answer: Warm skin with palpable pulses
Rationale: Adequate perfusion is evidenced by warm skin, palpable pulses, and normal sensation.
Pale cool skin, absent pulses, and increasing numbness indicate impaired circulation and require
urgent evaluation. These neurovascular checks guide timely intervention.
10. A patient with a fractured femur develops fat embolism syndrome. Which manifestation
should the nurse expect?
A) Petechial rash on the chest and axillae
B) Bradycardia and hypertension
C) Hematuria and flank pain
D) Jaundice and clay-colored stools
Correct Answer: Petechial rash on the chest and axillae
