Locomotor system

1. A patient presents with acute pain in the right knee after a fall. What is the nurse's priority assessment? A. Skin integrity B. Range of motion C. Circulation D. Muscle strength Answer: C. Circulation Rationale: Assessing circulation is crucial to rule out any vascular injury, which could indicate more serious damage, such as a fracture or ligament tear. ________________________________________ 2. Which diagnostic test is most commonly used to assess for fractures? A. MRI B. CT scan C. X-ray D. Ultrasound Answer: C. X-ray Rationale: X-rays are the primary imaging modality for detecting fractures due to their ability to visualize bone structure effectively. ________________________________________ 3. A patient is diagnosed with osteoporosis. Which instruction should the nurse provide? A. Avoid weight-bearing exercises. B. Increase calcium and vitamin D intake. C. Limit fluid intake. D. Rely solely on medication for treatment. Answer: B. Increase calcium and vitamin D intake. Rationale: Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health and can help prevent further bone loss in patients with osteoporosis. ________________________________________ 4. A nurse is teaching a patient about the importance of using assistive devices. What is the best rationale? A. They prevent falls and promote independence. B. They increase the risk of injury. C. They are only necessary after surgery. D. They are costly and unnecessary. Answer: A. They prevent falls and promote independence. Rationale: Assistive devices help patients maintain mobility and reduce the risk of falls, enhancing their independence. ________________________________________ 5. Which of the following is a sign of compartment syndrome? A. Warm skin B. Increased capillary refill C. Paresthesia D. Pulsating pulses Answer: C. Paresthesia Rationale: Paresthesia is a common symptom of compartment syndrome due to increased pressure within the compartment, affecting nerve function. ________________________________________ 6. What is the most important nursing intervention for a patient in a cast? A. Elevate the affected limb. B. Encourage ambulation. C. Apply heat to the cast. D. Monitor dietary intake. Answer: A. Elevate the affected limb. Rationale: Elevating the limb helps reduce swelling and promotes circulation, which is essential for healing. ________________________________________ 7. A patient with a hip fracture is at risk for which complication? A. Dehydration B. Hemorrhage C. Pulmonary embolism D. Hypoglycemia Answer: C. Pulmonary embolism Rationale: Patients with hip fractures are at increased risk for deep vein thrombosis and subsequent pulmonary embolism due to immobility. ________________________________________ 8. A nurse is caring for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Which medication should the nurse expect to be prescribed? A. Aspirin B. Methotrexate C. Ibuprofen D. Acetaminophen Answer: B. Methotrexate Rationale: Methotrexate is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used to treat rheumatoid arthritis by slowing disease progression. ________________________________________ 9. What is the purpose of a physical therapy referral for a patient with a musculoskeletal injury? A. To administer medications B. To provide patient education C. To develop a rehabilitation plan D. To perform surgery Answer: C. To develop a rehabilitation plan Rationale: Physical therapy helps create a tailored rehabilitation plan to restore function and mobility after an injury. ________________________________________ 10. Which assessment finding in a patient with a knee injury would indicate a possible meniscus tear? A. Swelling and redness B. Joint instability C. Pain during extension and flexion D. Pain during weight-bearing Answer: C. Pain during extension and flexion Rationale: Pain during movement, especially flexion and extension, is characteristic of a meniscus tear.