,NU 155 EXAM 4 Medical-Surgical Nursing I Questions And Answers
2026/2027 Galen College
Q1. Which finding is most consistent with a fracture?
A) Pain, swelling, and impaired function
B) Improved range of motion
C) Increased muscle strength
D) Unchanged limb alignment
Correct Answer: A) Pain, swelling, and impaired function
Rationale: Fractures commonly cause pain, swelling, tenderness, deformity,
and decreased function of the affected area.
Q2. Which fracture occurs when the bone is broken into several
fragments?
A) Spiral
B) Comminuted
C) Greenstick
D) Transverse
Correct Answer: B) Comminuted
Rationale: A comminuted fracture produces multiple bone fragments rather
than a single fracture line.
Q3. Which mechanism is most associated with a spiral fracture?
A) Direct compression
B) Bending
C) Twisting force
D) Repetitive muscle contraction
Correct Answer: C) Twisting force
Rationale: Rotational or twisting forces can produce a spiral fracture pattern
around the shaft of a bone.
Q4. Which assessment is essential after applying a cast?
A) Appetite
B) Bowel sounds
C) Visual acuity
D) Distal neurovascular status
, Correct Answer: D) Distal neurovascular status
Rationale: A cast can become too tight because of swelling and
compromise circulation or nerve function, making distal assessment
essential.
Q5. Which finding after fracture treatment requires the most
immediate attention?
A) Mild swelling
B) New numbness with a diminished distal pulse
C) Mild bruising
D) Expected tenderness
Correct Answer: B) New numbness with a diminished distal pulse
Rationale: New sensory loss and reduced perfusion suggest neurovascular
compromise and require immediate evaluation.
Q6. Which condition is characterized by severe pain that is
disproportionate to the injury and may worsen with passive stretch?
A) Compartment syndrome
B) Osteoarthritis
C) Bursitis
D) Tendinitis
Correct Answer: A) Compartment syndrome
Rationale: Increased pressure within a closed fascial compartment can
impair tissue perfusion and produce severe pain, especially with passive
stretch.
Q7. Which action should the nurse avoid when compartment
syndrome is suspected?
A) Frequent neurovascular assessment
B) Promptly notifying the healthcare team
C) Applying an unauthorized tight compression wrap
D) Monitoring pain progression
Correct Answer: C) Applying an unauthorized tight compression wrap
Rationale: Additional external pressure can worsen compartment pressure
and further compromise circulation.
Q8. Which condition involves inflammation of a bursa?
2026/2027 Galen College
Q1. Which finding is most consistent with a fracture?
A) Pain, swelling, and impaired function
B) Improved range of motion
C) Increased muscle strength
D) Unchanged limb alignment
Correct Answer: A) Pain, swelling, and impaired function
Rationale: Fractures commonly cause pain, swelling, tenderness, deformity,
and decreased function of the affected area.
Q2. Which fracture occurs when the bone is broken into several
fragments?
A) Spiral
B) Comminuted
C) Greenstick
D) Transverse
Correct Answer: B) Comminuted
Rationale: A comminuted fracture produces multiple bone fragments rather
than a single fracture line.
Q3. Which mechanism is most associated with a spiral fracture?
A) Direct compression
B) Bending
C) Twisting force
D) Repetitive muscle contraction
Correct Answer: C) Twisting force
Rationale: Rotational or twisting forces can produce a spiral fracture pattern
around the shaft of a bone.
Q4. Which assessment is essential after applying a cast?
A) Appetite
B) Bowel sounds
C) Visual acuity
D) Distal neurovascular status
, Correct Answer: D) Distal neurovascular status
Rationale: A cast can become too tight because of swelling and
compromise circulation or nerve function, making distal assessment
essential.
Q5. Which finding after fracture treatment requires the most
immediate attention?
A) Mild swelling
B) New numbness with a diminished distal pulse
C) Mild bruising
D) Expected tenderness
Correct Answer: B) New numbness with a diminished distal pulse
Rationale: New sensory loss and reduced perfusion suggest neurovascular
compromise and require immediate evaluation.
Q6. Which condition is characterized by severe pain that is
disproportionate to the injury and may worsen with passive stretch?
A) Compartment syndrome
B) Osteoarthritis
C) Bursitis
D) Tendinitis
Correct Answer: A) Compartment syndrome
Rationale: Increased pressure within a closed fascial compartment can
impair tissue perfusion and produce severe pain, especially with passive
stretch.
Q7. Which action should the nurse avoid when compartment
syndrome is suspected?
A) Frequent neurovascular assessment
B) Promptly notifying the healthcare team
C) Applying an unauthorized tight compression wrap
D) Monitoring pain progression
Correct Answer: C) Applying an unauthorized tight compression wrap
Rationale: Additional external pressure can worsen compartment pressure
and further compromise circulation.
Q8. Which condition involves inflammation of a bursa?
