ATI & NCLEX MUSCULOSKELETAL
NURSING MCQS 2026/2027 | STUDY
GUIDE, EXAM REVIEW & PRACTICE
QUESTIONS
1 of 20
Term
A client with an acute ankle strain asks when heat can be applied. What
is the nurse's best guidance?
a) Apply heat immediately within the first 10 minutes of injury
b) Avoid heat during acute inflammation; heat may be used later for
stiffness if approved
c) Mix hot packs and ice packs simultaneously on open wounds
d) Heat should replace all prescribed pain medications on day one
Give this one a go later!
b) Blow cool air into the cast using a hair dryer. Rationale: Cool air from a hair dryer
relieves itching safely. Objects inserted into the cast or powders can cause skin
breakdown, clumping, and severe infection.
b) Computed Tomography (CT) with contrast. Rationale: Iodinated contrast media
used in CT scans is nephrotoxic; baseline renal function (BUN/creatinine) must be
, assessed prior to administration.
b) Avoid heat during acute inflammation; heat may be used later for stiffness if
approved. Rationale: Heat increases blood flow and swelling during acute
inflammation. Cold is preferred initially; heat is reserved for later stages to
relieve muscle stiffness.
b) Applying cold ice packs to the affected area. Rationale: Ice causes
vasoconstriction, reducing acute edema and localized pain during the immediate
inflammatory phase.
Don't know?
2 of 20
Term
A nurse prepares a fresh plaster cast for a client with a fractured radius.
How should the nurse handle the wet cast during application?
a) Use fingertips to lift and position the cast firmly
b) Handle the cast with palms of the hands until completely dry
c) Wrap the wet cast tightly in plastic sheeting
d) Use sharp metal clamps to stabilize the plaster
Give this one a go later!
b) Persistent fever and purulent wound drainage. Rationale: Osteomyelitis requires
prolonged targeted antibiotic therapy; ongoing fever, purulent drainage, and
localized bone pain signal unresolved or worsening infection.
, b) Take divided doses, such as 400 mg three times daily. Rationale: Calcium
absorption is optimal when taken in smaller, divided doses throughout the day (e.g.,
≤500 mg per dose) alongside adequate vitamin D.
b) Compare the finding with the unaffected extremity and baseline documentation.
Rationale: Neurovascular findings must always be compared against the unaffected
side and the client's baseline to identify new deficits.
b) Handle the cast with palms of the hands until completely dry. Rationale:
Handling wet plaster with fingertips creates indentations that cause localized
pressure points and skin breakdown underneath.
Don't know?
3 of 20
Term
What is an important positioning precaution for a client following
specific total hip arthroplasty procedures?
a) Keep the legs adducted tightly together
b) Use an abduction pillow to keep the legs apart
c) Maintain the hips in continuous internal rotation
d) Elevate the knees above 120 degrees of flexion
Give this one a go later!
b) Use an abduction pillow to keep the legs apart. Rationale: An abduction
pillow prevents adduction and internal rotation, reducing hip dislocation risk
after certain hip surgeries.
NURSING MCQS 2026/2027 | STUDY
GUIDE, EXAM REVIEW & PRACTICE
QUESTIONS
1 of 20
Term
A client with an acute ankle strain asks when heat can be applied. What
is the nurse's best guidance?
a) Apply heat immediately within the first 10 minutes of injury
b) Avoid heat during acute inflammation; heat may be used later for
stiffness if approved
c) Mix hot packs and ice packs simultaneously on open wounds
d) Heat should replace all prescribed pain medications on day one
Give this one a go later!
b) Blow cool air into the cast using a hair dryer. Rationale: Cool air from a hair dryer
relieves itching safely. Objects inserted into the cast or powders can cause skin
breakdown, clumping, and severe infection.
b) Computed Tomography (CT) with contrast. Rationale: Iodinated contrast media
used in CT scans is nephrotoxic; baseline renal function (BUN/creatinine) must be
, assessed prior to administration.
b) Avoid heat during acute inflammation; heat may be used later for stiffness if
approved. Rationale: Heat increases blood flow and swelling during acute
inflammation. Cold is preferred initially; heat is reserved for later stages to
relieve muscle stiffness.
b) Applying cold ice packs to the affected area. Rationale: Ice causes
vasoconstriction, reducing acute edema and localized pain during the immediate
inflammatory phase.
Don't know?
2 of 20
Term
A nurse prepares a fresh plaster cast for a client with a fractured radius.
How should the nurse handle the wet cast during application?
a) Use fingertips to lift and position the cast firmly
b) Handle the cast with palms of the hands until completely dry
c) Wrap the wet cast tightly in plastic sheeting
d) Use sharp metal clamps to stabilize the plaster
Give this one a go later!
b) Persistent fever and purulent wound drainage. Rationale: Osteomyelitis requires
prolonged targeted antibiotic therapy; ongoing fever, purulent drainage, and
localized bone pain signal unresolved or worsening infection.
, b) Take divided doses, such as 400 mg three times daily. Rationale: Calcium
absorption is optimal when taken in smaller, divided doses throughout the day (e.g.,
≤500 mg per dose) alongside adequate vitamin D.
b) Compare the finding with the unaffected extremity and baseline documentation.
Rationale: Neurovascular findings must always be compared against the unaffected
side and the client's baseline to identify new deficits.
b) Handle the cast with palms of the hands until completely dry. Rationale:
Handling wet plaster with fingertips creates indentations that cause localized
pressure points and skin breakdown underneath.
Don't know?
3 of 20
Term
What is an important positioning precaution for a client following
specific total hip arthroplasty procedures?
a) Keep the legs adducted tightly together
b) Use an abduction pillow to keep the legs apart
c) Maintain the hips in continuous internal rotation
d) Elevate the knees above 120 degrees of flexion
Give this one a go later!
b) Use an abduction pillow to keep the legs apart. Rationale: An abduction
pillow prevents adduction and internal rotation, reducing hip dislocation risk
after certain hip surgeries.
