MSK PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
A nurse is examining a client with an obvious deformity of the forearm. Which of the
following should the nurse include in the focused assessment? Select all that apply.
A) Positive radial pulse
B) Alert and oriented x4
C) Breath sounds clear
D) Warm, pink skin
E) Capillary refill <3 seconds - Answers- A, D, E
In assessing a patient with a history of poliomyelitis, the nurse suspects the right leg
muscles are smaller than the left leg. What is the best approach for the nurse to confirm
or reject this suspicion?
A) Palpating both legs using the pads of the thumb and index fingers and comparing
one side with another
B) Using a tape to measure each leg's circumference at the same location, above or
below the nearest joint
C) Using a goniometer to measure the upper and lower legs with the patient in supine
and standing positions
D) Palpating the legs using the tips of the thumb and index fingers, and comparing the
findings with the Lovett scale - Answers- B
On inspection of a patient's hands, the nurse notices ulnar deviation and swan-neck
deformities bilaterally and correlates this finding with which disorder?
A) Osteoarthritis
B) Osteoporosis
C) Rheumatoid arthritis
D) Gout - Answers- C
The nurse receives a client in the emergency room with an obvious deformity of the left
leg. What is the first thing the nurse should do?
A) Check a pedal pulse
B) Get an x-ray
C) Check capillary refill
D) Ask the client to wiggle toes - Answers- A
Which of the following are changes in the MSK system that occur during pregnancy?
Select all that apply.
A) Increased elasticity of ligaments
B) Hardening of the cartilage of the joints
C) Increased muscle cramping
D) Development of maternal lordosis
E) Development of maternal kyphosis - Answers- D & ?
A nurse is examining a client with an obvious deformity of the forearm. Which of the
following should the nurse include in the focused assessment? Select all that apply.
A) Positive radial pulse
B) Alert and oriented x4
C) Breath sounds clear
D) Warm, pink skin
E) Capillary refill <3 seconds - Answers- A, D, E
In assessing a patient with a history of poliomyelitis, the nurse suspects the right leg
muscles are smaller than the left leg. What is the best approach for the nurse to confirm
or reject this suspicion?
A) Palpating both legs using the pads of the thumb and index fingers and comparing
one side with another
B) Using a tape to measure each leg's circumference at the same location, above or
below the nearest joint
C) Using a goniometer to measure the upper and lower legs with the patient in supine
and standing positions
D) Palpating the legs using the tips of the thumb and index fingers, and comparing the
findings with the Lovett scale - Answers- B
On inspection of a patient's hands, the nurse notices ulnar deviation and swan-neck
deformities bilaterally and correlates this finding with which disorder?
A) Osteoarthritis
B) Osteoporosis
C) Rheumatoid arthritis
D) Gout - Answers- C
The nurse receives a client in the emergency room with an obvious deformity of the left
leg. What is the first thing the nurse should do?
A) Check a pedal pulse
B) Get an x-ray
C) Check capillary refill
D) Ask the client to wiggle toes - Answers- A
Which of the following are changes in the MSK system that occur during pregnancy?
Select all that apply.
A) Increased elasticity of ligaments
B) Hardening of the cartilage of the joints
C) Increased muscle cramping
D) Development of maternal lordosis
E) Development of maternal kyphosis - Answers- D & ?
