Musculoskeletal System Exam case
study Questions All Answered Correctly
2026-2027 Updated.
Meet the Client - Answer An adult client reports to the primary care office with reports of low
back pain. The client has a history of osteoporosis. As the client walks to the exam room, the
nurse prepares to complete a history and physical assessment, focusing on the musculoskeletal
system.
The nurse begins the assessment as the client ambulates in the hallway. What observations
should the nurse make while the client is walking to the exam room? (Select all that apply.)
A. Fine motor function
B. Posture
C. Gait
D. Bone density
E. Balance - Answer B. C. E.
B: Observation of the client's posture can be completed while the client is ambulating. This
assessment provides useful data related to musculoskeletal function
C: Observation of the client's gait can be completed while the client is ambulating. This
assessment provides useful data related to the musculoskeletal function.
E: Observation of the client's balance can be completed while the client is ambulating. This
assessment provides useful data related to the musculoskeletal function.
Once the client is settled in the exam room, which action by the nurse has the highest priority?
A. Obtain more in-depth information about the client's osteoporosis management.
B. Review the client's medical record for any history of bone or spinal fractures.
C. Gather data about the nature, location, and duration of the client's back pain.
D. Compare bilateral muscle strength and tone in the client's lower extremities. - Answer C.
Gather data about the nature, location, and duration of the client's back pain.
Back pain can be a symptom of a variety of health problems. To ensure basic safety and
homeostasis, it is most important for the nurse to obtain information related to the client's
report of pain. Pain pattern gives clues about the cause of the pain directs its treatment.
, The client places their hand over the lumbar area to show the nurse the location of their pain
and rates it at a 7 on a 1-to-10 scale. The nurse consults the electronic medication
administration record and notes a prescription for an anti-inflammatory medication.
Indomethacin 50 mg capsules by mouth every 6 hours as needed for back pain is prescribed.
Indomethacin 25 mg capsules are available. How many capsules should the nurse administer?
(Enter the numerical value only. If rounding is required, round to the whole number.) - Answer
2
Because of the client's history of knee pain and current report of low back pain, which nursing
action is MOST useful in developing an initial plan of care for the client?
A. Obtain a family medical history.
B. Complete a functional assessment.
C. Observe for callus formation.
D. Ask about any recent weight gain. - Answer B. Complete a functional assessment.
A functional assessment provides information about the client's ability to function and includes
such areas as mobility and self-care. It is most important to gather this information to
determine the client's level of safety in basic functioning.
The client shares with the nurse that knee pain is often experienced. The nurse asks the client
about other common joint symptoms. On which symptoms should the nurse focus? (Select all
that apply.)
A. Stiffness
B. Swelling
C. Cramping
D. Numbness
E. Warmth - Answer A. Stiffness
- Stiffness is a common joint symptom related to acute inflammation or arthritis
B. Swelling
- Swelling is a common joint symptom related to acute inflammation or arthritis.
E. Warmth
- Warmth is a common joint symptom related to acute inflammation or arthritis.
study Questions All Answered Correctly
2026-2027 Updated.
Meet the Client - Answer An adult client reports to the primary care office with reports of low
back pain. The client has a history of osteoporosis. As the client walks to the exam room, the
nurse prepares to complete a history and physical assessment, focusing on the musculoskeletal
system.
The nurse begins the assessment as the client ambulates in the hallway. What observations
should the nurse make while the client is walking to the exam room? (Select all that apply.)
A. Fine motor function
B. Posture
C. Gait
D. Bone density
E. Balance - Answer B. C. E.
B: Observation of the client's posture can be completed while the client is ambulating. This
assessment provides useful data related to musculoskeletal function
C: Observation of the client's gait can be completed while the client is ambulating. This
assessment provides useful data related to the musculoskeletal function.
E: Observation of the client's balance can be completed while the client is ambulating. This
assessment provides useful data related to the musculoskeletal function.
Once the client is settled in the exam room, which action by the nurse has the highest priority?
A. Obtain more in-depth information about the client's osteoporosis management.
B. Review the client's medical record for any history of bone or spinal fractures.
C. Gather data about the nature, location, and duration of the client's back pain.
D. Compare bilateral muscle strength and tone in the client's lower extremities. - Answer C.
Gather data about the nature, location, and duration of the client's back pain.
Back pain can be a symptom of a variety of health problems. To ensure basic safety and
homeostasis, it is most important for the nurse to obtain information related to the client's
report of pain. Pain pattern gives clues about the cause of the pain directs its treatment.
, The client places their hand over the lumbar area to show the nurse the location of their pain
and rates it at a 7 on a 1-to-10 scale. The nurse consults the electronic medication
administration record and notes a prescription for an anti-inflammatory medication.
Indomethacin 50 mg capsules by mouth every 6 hours as needed for back pain is prescribed.
Indomethacin 25 mg capsules are available. How many capsules should the nurse administer?
(Enter the numerical value only. If rounding is required, round to the whole number.) - Answer
2
Because of the client's history of knee pain and current report of low back pain, which nursing
action is MOST useful in developing an initial plan of care for the client?
A. Obtain a family medical history.
B. Complete a functional assessment.
C. Observe for callus formation.
D. Ask about any recent weight gain. - Answer B. Complete a functional assessment.
A functional assessment provides information about the client's ability to function and includes
such areas as mobility and self-care. It is most important to gather this information to
determine the client's level of safety in basic functioning.
The client shares with the nurse that knee pain is often experienced. The nurse asks the client
about other common joint symptoms. On which symptoms should the nurse focus? (Select all
that apply.)
A. Stiffness
B. Swelling
C. Cramping
D. Numbness
E. Warmth - Answer A. Stiffness
- Stiffness is a common joint symptom related to acute inflammation or arthritis
B. Swelling
- Swelling is a common joint symptom related to acute inflammation or arthritis.
E. Warmth
- Warmth is a common joint symptom related to acute inflammation or arthritis.
