EXAM: ATI Learning Systems Med-Surg: Musculoskeletal
System; Questions with Correct Answers
A client has been admitted to the orthopedic floor to have a right total knee arthroplasty
performed. Which of the following statements demonstrates to the nurse that the client
understands the preoperative teaching? "I will...
1. have my knee placed in a continuous passive motion machine for 24 hours a day."
2. ask for pain medicine whenever the pain gets bad."
3. wear elastic stockings on both legs until I am discharged."
4. have to stay in bed for a week after my surgery." Correct Answer-3. wear elastic socks
on both legs until I am discharged."
The purpose of elastic stockings is to prevent thrombophlebitis, which is a common
complication following orthopedic surgery. Thromboemboli can occur up to 6 months after
surgery, so it is possible that the client will wear them even after discharge.
1. a continuous passive motion machine is usually prescribed for a few hrs at a time for a total
of 8 to 12 hr a day.
2. client should ask for pain medication before the pain becomes severe. this will lessen the
amount needed and help keep them comfortable.
4. ambulation usually begins 48 hr following a total knee arthroplasty.
,EXAM: ATI Learning Systems Med-Surg: Musculoskeletal
System; Questions with Correct Answers
A client sustains an open fracture of the left femur. An intramedullary pin is inserted, and the
client is placed in skeletal traction. While performing the initial assessment, the nurse finds
the client has slipped down toward the foot of the bed and the traction weight is resting on
the floor. The appropriate nursing action is to...
1. remove the weight and move the client to the correct alignment in bed.
2. check for movement of the toes in the left foot.
3. notify the attending orthopedic physician.
4. help the client use the trapeze to pull himself up in bed. Correct Answer-..help the client
use the trapeze to pull himself up in bed.
The traction is no longer effective when it is resting on the floor. Provided that nothing is out
of alignment, the nurse should help the client resume his normal position in bed to
reestablish traction.
1. besides causing pain, this could interfere with the correct alignment of the extremity.
2. checking the toes for movement is not an appropriate action at this time.
3. its not necessary to notify the orthopedic physician unless the traction is out of alignment
or other assessments are not within normal range.
, EXAM: ATI Learning Systems Med-Surg: Musculoskeletal
System; Questions with Correct Answers
A client is discharged after having an open reduction and internal fixation of a fractured tibia
with application of a plaster cast. The nurse teaches the client to evaluate for early signs of
decreased circulation related to post surgical edema. The nurse demonstrates that the
teaching was understood when the client identified a manifestation of decreased circulation
as..
1. coldness of the toes.
2. capillary refill of 3 seconds.
3. blanching of the nailbeds with pressure.
4. pain at the surgical site. Correct Answer-..coldness of the toes
Decreased venous return from the constriction caused by a cast may lead to impaired
circulation of the foot. Manifestations of impaired circulation include toes that are cold,
numb, tingling, or swollen.
2, 3: assessments indicate adequate circulation.
4. assessment is normal following an open reduction & internal fixation of a fracture. while
pain may be more severe in the client w/ impaired circulation, pain alone is not an adequate
assessment to make this determination.
System; Questions with Correct Answers
A client has been admitted to the orthopedic floor to have a right total knee arthroplasty
performed. Which of the following statements demonstrates to the nurse that the client
understands the preoperative teaching? "I will...
1. have my knee placed in a continuous passive motion machine for 24 hours a day."
2. ask for pain medicine whenever the pain gets bad."
3. wear elastic stockings on both legs until I am discharged."
4. have to stay in bed for a week after my surgery." Correct Answer-3. wear elastic socks
on both legs until I am discharged."
The purpose of elastic stockings is to prevent thrombophlebitis, which is a common
complication following orthopedic surgery. Thromboemboli can occur up to 6 months after
surgery, so it is possible that the client will wear them even after discharge.
1. a continuous passive motion machine is usually prescribed for a few hrs at a time for a total
of 8 to 12 hr a day.
2. client should ask for pain medication before the pain becomes severe. this will lessen the
amount needed and help keep them comfortable.
4. ambulation usually begins 48 hr following a total knee arthroplasty.
,EXAM: ATI Learning Systems Med-Surg: Musculoskeletal
System; Questions with Correct Answers
A client sustains an open fracture of the left femur. An intramedullary pin is inserted, and the
client is placed in skeletal traction. While performing the initial assessment, the nurse finds
the client has slipped down toward the foot of the bed and the traction weight is resting on
the floor. The appropriate nursing action is to...
1. remove the weight and move the client to the correct alignment in bed.
2. check for movement of the toes in the left foot.
3. notify the attending orthopedic physician.
4. help the client use the trapeze to pull himself up in bed. Correct Answer-..help the client
use the trapeze to pull himself up in bed.
The traction is no longer effective when it is resting on the floor. Provided that nothing is out
of alignment, the nurse should help the client resume his normal position in bed to
reestablish traction.
1. besides causing pain, this could interfere with the correct alignment of the extremity.
2. checking the toes for movement is not an appropriate action at this time.
3. its not necessary to notify the orthopedic physician unless the traction is out of alignment
or other assessments are not within normal range.
, EXAM: ATI Learning Systems Med-Surg: Musculoskeletal
System; Questions with Correct Answers
A client is discharged after having an open reduction and internal fixation of a fractured tibia
with application of a plaster cast. The nurse teaches the client to evaluate for early signs of
decreased circulation related to post surgical edema. The nurse demonstrates that the
teaching was understood when the client identified a manifestation of decreased circulation
as..
1. coldness of the toes.
2. capillary refill of 3 seconds.
3. blanching of the nailbeds with pressure.
4. pain at the surgical site. Correct Answer-..coldness of the toes
Decreased venous return from the constriction caused by a cast may lead to impaired
circulation of the foot. Manifestations of impaired circulation include toes that are cold,
numb, tingling, or swollen.
2, 3: assessments indicate adequate circulation.
4. assessment is normal following an open reduction & internal fixation of a fracture. while
pain may be more severe in the client w/ impaired circulation, pain alone is not an adequate
assessment to make this determination.
