ATI Musculoskeletal System Questions
and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026
| Correct & Verified
A client recovering from a hip fracture asks when they can bear weight. What should the nurse
say?
A. "As soon as pain is controlled."
✔✔ B. "Once your provider confirms healing on an X-ray."
C. "The day after surgery is the best time."
D. "Within 24 hours after discharge from the hospital."
A nurse is teaching a client with a new fiberglass arm cast. Which instruction is correct?
A. "Cover the cast in plastic only at night."
✔✔ B. "Keep the cast dry at all times."
C. "Use a pencil to scratch under the cast if it itches."
D. "Apply lotion on the skin inside the cast daily."
A client with a recent below-the-knee amputation reports sharp, shooting pain in the missing
limb. What should the nurse do?
1
,✔✔ A. Administer prescribed pain medication for phantom limb pain
B. Reposition the residual limb
C. Apply a warm compress to the stump
D. Encourage the client to ignore the sensation
A nurse is caring for a client following total knee arthroplasty. Which action promotes joint
mobility?
✔✔ A. Use of continuous passive motion device
B. Immobilizing the joint for 24 hours
C. Avoiding all movement to reduce pain
D. Using pillows under the knee at all times
Which food should the nurse recommend for a client with a healing fracture?
A. Bread and margarine
✔✔ B. Yogurt and almonds
C. Applesauce and crackers
D. Coffee and toast
2
, A client in skeletal traction complains of muscle spasms. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. "This is a normal part of recovery and will resolve soon."
✔✔ B. "I will notify the provider to assess the alignment."
C. "Try to relax and get some rest."
D. "We’ll remove the weights briefly to help the pain."
A nurse is teaching a client how to use a cane. Which instruction is appropriate?
✔✔ A. "Hold the cane on your stronger side."
B. "Move the cane and your stronger leg together."
C. "Hold the cane on your weaker side for balance."
D. "Only use the cane when going upstairs."
A client has osteoarthritis of the knees. Which action can help relieve pain and stiffness?
✔✔ A. Regular low-impact exercise
B. Resting the joint as much as possible
C. Cold therapy before activity
D. Immobilization of the knee for several days
3
and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026
| Correct & Verified
A client recovering from a hip fracture asks when they can bear weight. What should the nurse
say?
A. "As soon as pain is controlled."
✔✔ B. "Once your provider confirms healing on an X-ray."
C. "The day after surgery is the best time."
D. "Within 24 hours after discharge from the hospital."
A nurse is teaching a client with a new fiberglass arm cast. Which instruction is correct?
A. "Cover the cast in plastic only at night."
✔✔ B. "Keep the cast dry at all times."
C. "Use a pencil to scratch under the cast if it itches."
D. "Apply lotion on the skin inside the cast daily."
A client with a recent below-the-knee amputation reports sharp, shooting pain in the missing
limb. What should the nurse do?
1
,✔✔ A. Administer prescribed pain medication for phantom limb pain
B. Reposition the residual limb
C. Apply a warm compress to the stump
D. Encourage the client to ignore the sensation
A nurse is caring for a client following total knee arthroplasty. Which action promotes joint
mobility?
✔✔ A. Use of continuous passive motion device
B. Immobilizing the joint for 24 hours
C. Avoiding all movement to reduce pain
D. Using pillows under the knee at all times
Which food should the nurse recommend for a client with a healing fracture?
A. Bread and margarine
✔✔ B. Yogurt and almonds
C. Applesauce and crackers
D. Coffee and toast
2
, A client in skeletal traction complains of muscle spasms. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. "This is a normal part of recovery and will resolve soon."
✔✔ B. "I will notify the provider to assess the alignment."
C. "Try to relax and get some rest."
D. "We’ll remove the weights briefly to help the pain."
A nurse is teaching a client how to use a cane. Which instruction is appropriate?
✔✔ A. "Hold the cane on your stronger side."
B. "Move the cane and your stronger leg together."
C. "Hold the cane on your weaker side for balance."
D. "Only use the cane when going upstairs."
A client has osteoarthritis of the knees. Which action can help relieve pain and stiffness?
✔✔ A. Regular low-impact exercise
B. Resting the joint as much as possible
C. Cold therapy before activity
D. Immobilization of the knee for several days
3
