ATI - Medical-Surgical: Musculoskeletal Quiz
A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 days postoperative following a right total hip arthroplasty.
While transferring to a chair, the client cries out in pain. The nurse should assess the client for
which of the following manifestations of dislocation of the hip prosthesis? Correct Ans -
Shortening of the right leg
-----
The nurse should monitor the client for shortening of the affected leg as an indication of
dislocation of the prosthesis. Other findings include increased hip pain, inability to move the
extremity, and rotation of the hip internally or externally.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a pelvic fracture. The client reports sudden shortness of
breath, stabbing chest pain, and feelings of doom. The nurse should identify that the client is
experiencing which of the following complications? Correct Ans - Pulmonary embolus
-----
Immobility following musculoskeletal trauma places the client at an increased risk for pulmonary
embolus. The client might also exhibit tachycardia, chest petechiae, and have a decreased SaO2.
The nurse should notify the rapid response team immediately.
A nurse is caring for a client who is in skeletal traction following a femur fracture. The nurse
finds the client has slid down toward the foot of the bed and the traction weight is resting on the
floor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Correct Ans - Have the
client use a trapeze to pull himself up while ensuring the weight hangs freely.
-----
The nurse should ensure that traction weight is hanging freely. The client can use an overhead
trapeze bar to move up in bed, or the nurse can assist the client up, making sure to maintain
proper alignment of the extremity.
A nurse is providing preoperative teaching for a client who is scheduled for total knee
arthroplasty. Which of the following statements by the client should the nurse identify as
understanding of the teaching? Correct Ans - "I should wear elastic stockings on both of
my legs."
------
The purpose of elastic stockings is to prevent venous thromboembolism, which is a common
complication following orthopedic surgery. Therefore, the nurse should identify this statement as
understanding of the teaching.
A nurse is discussing the difference between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis with a
newly licensed nurse. Which of the following information should the nurse include about
osteoarthritis? Correct Ans - "Osteoarthritis can impair a joint on a single side of the
body."
------
The nurse should identify unilateral joint involvement as a finding of osteoarthritis. A client who
has RA experiences symmetrical joint impairment.
A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 days postoperative following a right total hip arthroplasty.
While transferring to a chair, the client cries out in pain. The nurse should assess the client for
which of the following manifestations of dislocation of the hip prosthesis? Correct Ans -
Shortening of the right leg
-----
The nurse should monitor the client for shortening of the affected leg as an indication of
dislocation of the prosthesis. Other findings include increased hip pain, inability to move the
extremity, and rotation of the hip internally or externally.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a pelvic fracture. The client reports sudden shortness of
breath, stabbing chest pain, and feelings of doom. The nurse should identify that the client is
experiencing which of the following complications? Correct Ans - Pulmonary embolus
-----
Immobility following musculoskeletal trauma places the client at an increased risk for pulmonary
embolus. The client might also exhibit tachycardia, chest petechiae, and have a decreased SaO2.
The nurse should notify the rapid response team immediately.
A nurse is caring for a client who is in skeletal traction following a femur fracture. The nurse
finds the client has slid down toward the foot of the bed and the traction weight is resting on the
floor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Correct Ans - Have the
client use a trapeze to pull himself up while ensuring the weight hangs freely.
-----
The nurse should ensure that traction weight is hanging freely. The client can use an overhead
trapeze bar to move up in bed, or the nurse can assist the client up, making sure to maintain
proper alignment of the extremity.
A nurse is providing preoperative teaching for a client who is scheduled for total knee
arthroplasty. Which of the following statements by the client should the nurse identify as
understanding of the teaching? Correct Ans - "I should wear elastic stockings on both of
my legs."
------
The purpose of elastic stockings is to prevent venous thromboembolism, which is a common
complication following orthopedic surgery. Therefore, the nurse should identify this statement as
understanding of the teaching.
A nurse is discussing the difference between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis with a
newly licensed nurse. Which of the following information should the nurse include about
osteoarthritis? Correct Ans - "Osteoarthritis can impair a joint on a single side of the
body."
------
The nurse should identify unilateral joint involvement as a finding of osteoarthritis. A client who
has RA experiences symmetrical joint impairment.
