NCLEX MUSCULOSKELETAL:Questions and Correct Answers Rated 100%
A client being measured for crutches asks the nurse why the crutches cannot rest up underneath the arm for
extra support. The nurse should respond knowing that which can occur if the crutches rest underneath the
arm? - ansInjury to the brachial plexus nerves
A client has a fiberglass (nonplaster) cast applied to the lower leg. The client asks the nurse when he will be
able to walk on the cast. How should the nurse correctly respond to this question? - ansWithin 20 to 30
minutes of application
A client has a newly fractured fibula that is plaster casted in the emergency department. Because the client will
need to use crutches, the nurse plans to teach the client which crutch-walking gait before discharge? -
ansThree-point gait
A client has been placed in Buck's extension traction. Which technique provided by the nurse will provide
countertraction? - ansSlightly elevating the foot of the bed
A client has been taught to use a walker to aid in mobility following internal fixation of a hip fracture. The nurse
determines that the client is using the walker incorrectly if which action is noted? - ansThe client advances the
walker with reciprocal motion.
A client has Buck's extension traction applied to the right leg. The nurse should plan which intervention to
prevent complications of the device? - ansInspecting the skin on the right leg at least once every 8 hours
A client has had skeletal traction applied to the right leg and has an overhead trapeze available for use. The
nurse should monitor which as a high-risk area for pressure and breakdown? - ansLeft heel
A client has had surgery to repair a fractured left hip. The nurse plans to use which important item when
repositioning the client from side to side in the bed? - ansAbductor splint
A client has just had a cast removed and the underlying skin is yellow-brown and crusted. The nurse
determines that further skin care instructions are required if the client makes which statement? - ans"I need to
scrub the skin vigorously with soap and water."
, A client has just had an application of a nonplaster (fiberglass) leg cast, and the nurse is reinforcing instructions
for cast care at home. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further teaching? - ans"I should use
a hair dryer set to the hot setting to dry my cast if it gets wet."
A client has just had skeletal traction applied following insertion of pins. The nurse should place highest priority
on performing which action? - ansEnsuring that the weights on the traction setup are hanging free
A client has just undergone spinal fusion after suffering a herniated lumbar disk. The nurse should avoid which
to maintain client safety after this procedure? - ansOverhead trapeze
A client has several fractures of the lower leg and has been placed in an external fixation device. The client is
upset about the appearance of the leg, which is very edematous. The nurse determines that the client is
experiencing which problem? - ansConcerns about appearance
A client has slight weakness in the right leg. Which type of mobility device would benefit the client the most? -
ansStraight-leg cane
A client has sustained a closed fracture and has just had a cast applied to the affected arm. The client is
complaining of intense pain. The nurse has elevated the limb, applied an ice bag, and administered an
analgesic, which was ineffective in relieving the pain. The nurse interprets that this pain may be caused by
which condition? - ansImpaired tissue perfusion
A client has sustained multiple fractures in the left leg and is in skeletal traction. The nurse has obtained an
overhead trapeze for the client's use to aid in bed mobility. The nurse should monitor for which high-risk area
for pressure and breakdown? - ansRight heel
A client has undergone fasciotomy to treat compartment syndrome of the leg. Which type of wound care
should the nurse anticipate will be prescribed for the fasciotomy site? - ansMoist, sterile saline dressings
A client has undergone total hip replacement of the right hip, which was damaged by osteoarthritis. Which
action should be included in the postoperative plan of care? - ansPartial weight bearing on the operative leg is
usually permitted 72 hours postoperatively
A client being measured for crutches asks the nurse why the crutches cannot rest up underneath the arm for
extra support. The nurse should respond knowing that which can occur if the crutches rest underneath the
arm? - ansInjury to the brachial plexus nerves
A client has a fiberglass (nonplaster) cast applied to the lower leg. The client asks the nurse when he will be
able to walk on the cast. How should the nurse correctly respond to this question? - ansWithin 20 to 30
minutes of application
A client has a newly fractured fibula that is plaster casted in the emergency department. Because the client will
need to use crutches, the nurse plans to teach the client which crutch-walking gait before discharge? -
ansThree-point gait
A client has been placed in Buck's extension traction. Which technique provided by the nurse will provide
countertraction? - ansSlightly elevating the foot of the bed
A client has been taught to use a walker to aid in mobility following internal fixation of a hip fracture. The nurse
determines that the client is using the walker incorrectly if which action is noted? - ansThe client advances the
walker with reciprocal motion.
A client has Buck's extension traction applied to the right leg. The nurse should plan which intervention to
prevent complications of the device? - ansInspecting the skin on the right leg at least once every 8 hours
A client has had skeletal traction applied to the right leg and has an overhead trapeze available for use. The
nurse should monitor which as a high-risk area for pressure and breakdown? - ansLeft heel
A client has had surgery to repair a fractured left hip. The nurse plans to use which important item when
repositioning the client from side to side in the bed? - ansAbductor splint
A client has just had a cast removed and the underlying skin is yellow-brown and crusted. The nurse
determines that further skin care instructions are required if the client makes which statement? - ans"I need to
scrub the skin vigorously with soap and water."
, A client has just had an application of a nonplaster (fiberglass) leg cast, and the nurse is reinforcing instructions
for cast care at home. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further teaching? - ans"I should use
a hair dryer set to the hot setting to dry my cast if it gets wet."
A client has just had skeletal traction applied following insertion of pins. The nurse should place highest priority
on performing which action? - ansEnsuring that the weights on the traction setup are hanging free
A client has just undergone spinal fusion after suffering a herniated lumbar disk. The nurse should avoid which
to maintain client safety after this procedure? - ansOverhead trapeze
A client has several fractures of the lower leg and has been placed in an external fixation device. The client is
upset about the appearance of the leg, which is very edematous. The nurse determines that the client is
experiencing which problem? - ansConcerns about appearance
A client has slight weakness in the right leg. Which type of mobility device would benefit the client the most? -
ansStraight-leg cane
A client has sustained a closed fracture and has just had a cast applied to the affected arm. The client is
complaining of intense pain. The nurse has elevated the limb, applied an ice bag, and administered an
analgesic, which was ineffective in relieving the pain. The nurse interprets that this pain may be caused by
which condition? - ansImpaired tissue perfusion
A client has sustained multiple fractures in the left leg and is in skeletal traction. The nurse has obtained an
overhead trapeze for the client's use to aid in bed mobility. The nurse should monitor for which high-risk area
for pressure and breakdown? - ansRight heel
A client has undergone fasciotomy to treat compartment syndrome of the leg. Which type of wound care
should the nurse anticipate will be prescribed for the fasciotomy site? - ansMoist, sterile saline dressings
A client has undergone total hip replacement of the right hip, which was damaged by osteoarthritis. Which
action should be included in the postoperative plan of care? - ansPartial weight bearing on the operative leg is
usually permitted 72 hours postoperatively
