N173 PEDIATRIC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS :
PRACTICE QUESTIONS EXAM RATED A+
1. A nurse is assessing a child who has a musculoskeletal injury. Which of
the following findings would indicate a potential complication?
(Select all that apply)
A. Increased pain in the affected limb
B. Coolness to the touch in the extremity
C. Capillary refill of less than 2 seconds
D. Pallor of the skin on the affected limb
E. Continuous movement of the fingers in the affected arm - ANSWER
Answer: A, B, D
Rationale:
A (Increased pain): Increased pain can indicate complications such as
compartment syndrome or inadequate circulation.
B (Coolness to the touch): Coolness may suggest compromised blood flow
and should be further evaluated.
C (Capillary refill of less than 2 seconds): This finding is normal and does
not indicate a complication.
D (Pallor of the skin): Pallor indicates decreased blood flow, which is a
potential sign of vascular compromise.
E (Continuous movement of the fingers): Normal movement does not
indicate a complication.
2. A child is being prepared for the placement of a fiberglass cast after a
fracture. Which of the following actions should the nurse take before
applying the cast?
(Select all that apply)
A. Explain to the child that the cast will feel heavy and tight.
, B. Ensure the skin is clean and dry before applying the cast.
C. Apply lotion to the skin to prevent irritation.
D. Monitor the child's vital signs prior to cast placement.
E. Prepare the child for the noise of the cast cutter during removal. -
ANSWER Answer: A, B, E
Rationale:
A (Explain to the child): Preparing the child for what to expect helps reduce
anxiety.
B (Ensure skin is clean and dry): A clean, dry surface helps prevent skin
irritation and infection.
C (Apply lotion): This is incorrect; lotion can cause skin irritation and
compromise the fit of the cast.
D (Monitor vital signs): While important, this is not specifically required
before cast placement unless indicated.
E (Prepare for noise of the cast cutter): This is important to prepare the
child for the removal process.
3. When providing care to a child in a cast, which nursing interventions are
appropriate?
(Select all that apply)
A. Perform regular circulation checks.
B. Encourage the child to keep the cast dry and clean.
C. Teach the child to remove the cast if it feels uncomfortable.
D. Elevate the casted extremity to reduce swelling.
E. Monitor for signs of infection around the cast edges. - ANSWER Answer:
A, B, D, E
Rationale:
A (Perform regular circulation checks): This is essential to monitor for
complications.
B (Encourage the child to keep the cast dry and clean): This helps prevent
skin breakdown and infection.
C (Teach the child to remove the cast): This is incorrect; only a healthcare
provider should remove the cast.
D (Elevate the casted extremity): Elevation helps reduce swelling and
discomfort.
E (Monitor for signs of infection): Checking for infection at the cast edges is
important for early detection.
4. A 6-year-old child is immobilized in a cast following a fracture. Which
complications should the nurse monitor for?
PRACTICE QUESTIONS EXAM RATED A+
1. A nurse is assessing a child who has a musculoskeletal injury. Which of
the following findings would indicate a potential complication?
(Select all that apply)
A. Increased pain in the affected limb
B. Coolness to the touch in the extremity
C. Capillary refill of less than 2 seconds
D. Pallor of the skin on the affected limb
E. Continuous movement of the fingers in the affected arm - ANSWER
Answer: A, B, D
Rationale:
A (Increased pain): Increased pain can indicate complications such as
compartment syndrome or inadequate circulation.
B (Coolness to the touch): Coolness may suggest compromised blood flow
and should be further evaluated.
C (Capillary refill of less than 2 seconds): This finding is normal and does
not indicate a complication.
D (Pallor of the skin): Pallor indicates decreased blood flow, which is a
potential sign of vascular compromise.
E (Continuous movement of the fingers): Normal movement does not
indicate a complication.
2. A child is being prepared for the placement of a fiberglass cast after a
fracture. Which of the following actions should the nurse take before
applying the cast?
(Select all that apply)
A. Explain to the child that the cast will feel heavy and tight.
, B. Ensure the skin is clean and dry before applying the cast.
C. Apply lotion to the skin to prevent irritation.
D. Monitor the child's vital signs prior to cast placement.
E. Prepare the child for the noise of the cast cutter during removal. -
ANSWER Answer: A, B, E
Rationale:
A (Explain to the child): Preparing the child for what to expect helps reduce
anxiety.
B (Ensure skin is clean and dry): A clean, dry surface helps prevent skin
irritation and infection.
C (Apply lotion): This is incorrect; lotion can cause skin irritation and
compromise the fit of the cast.
D (Monitor vital signs): While important, this is not specifically required
before cast placement unless indicated.
E (Prepare for noise of the cast cutter): This is important to prepare the
child for the removal process.
3. When providing care to a child in a cast, which nursing interventions are
appropriate?
(Select all that apply)
A. Perform regular circulation checks.
B. Encourage the child to keep the cast dry and clean.
C. Teach the child to remove the cast if it feels uncomfortable.
D. Elevate the casted extremity to reduce swelling.
E. Monitor for signs of infection around the cast edges. - ANSWER Answer:
A, B, D, E
Rationale:
A (Perform regular circulation checks): This is essential to monitor for
complications.
B (Encourage the child to keep the cast dry and clean): This helps prevent
skin breakdown and infection.
C (Teach the child to remove the cast): This is incorrect; only a healthcare
provider should remove the cast.
D (Elevate the casted extremity): Elevation helps reduce swelling and
discomfort.
E (Monitor for signs of infection): Checking for infection at the cast edges is
important for early detection.
4. A 6-year-old child is immobilized in a cast following a fracture. Which
complications should the nurse monitor for?
