2026/2027 Jersey College
Q1. Which finding in a patient with a newly applied lower-leg cast
requires the most immediate intervention?
A) Severe pain unrelieved by analgesia with increasing numbness of the toes
B) Mild swelling during the first several hours
C) Itching beneath the cast
D) Bruising around the original injury
Correct Answer: A) Severe pain unrelieved by analgesia with increasing
numbness of the toes
Rationale: Severe disproportionate pain and sensory changes can indicate
neurovascular compromise or compartment syndrome.
Q2. Which assessment is most important when evaluating
neurovascular status distal to a limb injury?
A) Abdominal girth
B) Pulses, color, temperature, sensation, movement, and capillary refill
C) Bowel sounds
D) Visual acuity
Correct Answer: B) Pulses, color, temperature, sensation, movement, and
capillary refill
Rationale: Distal circulation, sensation, and motor function identify impaired
perfusion or nerve injury.
Q3. A patient with osteoporosis asks how to reduce fracture risk.
Which recommendation is most appropriate?
A) Avoid all weight-bearing activity
B) Remain on prolonged bed rest
C) Perform regular weight-bearing exercise as tolerated and follow
calcium/vitamin D recommendations
D) Eliminate dietary protein
Correct Answer: C) Perform regular weight-bearing exercise as tolerated and
follow calcium/vitamin D recommendations
Rationale: Weight-bearing activity and adequate calcium and vitamin D
support bone health and help reduce osteoporosis-related fracture risk.
,Q4. Which characteristic is most typical of osteoarthritis?
A) Symmetric systemic inflammatory disease
B) Severe multisystem vasculitis
C) Persistent high fever
D) Joint pain that often worsens with activity and improves with rest
Correct Answer: D) Joint pain that often worsens with activity and improves
with rest
Rationale: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder commonly
producing activity-related pain and stiffness.
Q5. Which finding most strongly suggests a hip fracture in an older
adult after a fall?
A) Shortened, externally rotated affected leg
B) Bilateral ankle edema
C) Symmetric lower-extremity strength
D) Increased range of motion without pain
Correct Answer: A) Shortened, externally rotated affected leg
Rationale: Shortening and external rotation are classic findings with many
hip fractures.
Q6. A patient with a cast reports increasing pressure and tingling.
Which action should the nurse take first?
A) Insert an object beneath the cast
B) Perform a focused neurovascular assessment
C) Encourage vigorous exercise of the injured limb
D) Apply heat to the cast
Correct Answer: B) Perform a focused neurovascular assessment
Rationale: Increasing pressure and paresthesia may indicate swelling or
impaired circulation and require immediate assessment.
Q7. Which patient has the greatest risk for osteoporosis?
A) A young adult who performs resistance exercise
B) A middle-aged adult with adequate calcium intake
C) An older postmenopausal adult with long-term corticosteroid use
D) An adult who walks daily
, Correct Answer: C) An older postmenopausal adult with long-term
corticosteroid use
Rationale: Aging, loss of estrogen, and prolonged corticosteroid exposure all
accelerate bone loss.
Q8. Which instruction is appropriate for a patient prescribed a
bisphosphonate for osteoporosis?
A) Take the medication while lying down
B) Take it with milk
C) Take it immediately before bedtime
D) Take it with plain water and remain upright for the prescribed period
Correct Answer: D) Take it with plain water and remain upright for the
prescribed period
Rationale: Remaining upright reduces esophageal irritation associated with
oral bisphosphonates.
Q9. Which outcome best indicates effective management of
osteoarthritis?
A) Improved joint function with tolerable pain during daily activities
B) Complete elimination of all joint movement
C) Development of prolonged morning stiffness lasting several hours
D) Progressive loss of mobility
Correct Answer: A) Improved joint function with tolerable pain during daily
activities
Rationale: Treatment focuses on reducing pain while preserving mobility
and function.
Q10. A patient reports severe back pain after lifting and develops
new urinary retention with numbness in the perineal area. Which
action has priority?
A) Encourage bed rest for one week
B) Obtain immediate evaluation for possible cauda equina compression
C) Apply only a heating pad
D) Schedule routine follow-up
Correct Answer: B) Obtain immediate evaluation for possible cauda equina
compression