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NCLEX PN Exam Bank Musculoskeletal Care and
Fall Prevention Strategies
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Musculoskeletal Assessment and Basic Care Principles ................................ 2
Subtopic 2: Gastrointestinal Assessment and Diagnostic Procedures ............................... 9
Subtopic 3: Fall Prevention in Clinical and Home Settings .............................................. 17
Subtopic 4: Gastrointestinal Disorders – Common Conditions and Nursing Management 25
Subtopic 5: Disorders of the Small and Large Intestine – Assessment, Treatment, and
Nursing Implications (Questions 81–100) ...................................................................... 33
Subtopic 6: Nutritional Management in Gastrointestinal Surgical Patients....................... 40
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Subtopic 1: Musculoskeletal Assessment and Basic
Care Principles
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult client with osteoarthritis. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect?
A. Warm, red, swollen joints
B. Joint stiffness that improves with activity
C. Symmetrical joint involvement
D. Elevated white blood cell count
Correct Answer: B. Joint stiffness that improves with activity
Rationale: Osteoarthritis is characterized by joint stiffness that typically improves with
movement. Unlike inflammatory arthritis, it does not cause significant warmth or systemic
signs of inflammation.
2. Which of the following is the most important initial step in preventing falls in a
hospitalized elderly patient?
A. Placing the call bell within reach
B. Performing a fall risk assessment
C. Providing non-slip socks
D. Keeping the bed in the lowest position
Correct Answer: B. Performing a fall risk assessment
Rationale: A fall risk assessment helps identify patients at high risk for falls, allowing for
tailored prevention strategies.
3. A client with a fractured femur is in skeletal traction. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
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A. Clear fluid drainage from pin site
B. Mild discomfort at the fracture site
C. Pins that are loose or pulling away from the skin
D. Redness around the traction pin site
Correct Answer: C. Pins that are loose or pulling away from the skin
Rationale: Loose pins can compromise the effectiveness of traction and increase the risk
of infection or injury.
4. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is experiencing morning stiffness. Which intervention is
most appropriate?
A. Applying cold compresses
B. Taking a warm shower
C. Massage therapy
D. Elevating the extremities
Correct Answer: B. Taking a warm shower
Rationale: Warmth improves circulation and decreases stiffness in joints affected by
rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Which of the following findings indicates proper use of crutches during ambulation?
A. Crutch tips placed directly under the armpits
B. Elbows flexed at a 45-degree angle
C. Weight supported by the hands and arms
D. Crutches kept very close together during ambulation
Correct Answer: C. Weight supported by the hands and arms
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Rationale: Proper crutch use involves supporting weight with the hands and arms to avoid
nerve damage in the axilla.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with a hip replacement. Which action is essential to prevent
dislocation?
A. Keep the legs abducted using a pillow
B. Encourage crossing the legs
C. Flex the hip more than 90 degrees
D. Position the client on the affected side
Correct Answer: A. Keep the legs abducted using a pillow
Rationale: Abduction prevents dislocation of the prosthetic hip, especially during the initial
postoperative period.
7. Which condition is most commonly associated with long-term corticosteroid use and
bone weakening?
A. Rheumatoid arthritis
B. Osteoarthritis
C. Osteoporosis
D. Gout
Correct Answer: C. Osteoporosis
Rationale: Long-term corticosteroid use inhibits bone formation and increases resorption,
leading to osteoporosis.
8. What is the most effective strategy for teaching a client with a cast about complications?
A. "Come to the hospital if the cast gets dirty."
NCLEX PN Exam Bank Musculoskeletal Care and
Fall Prevention Strategies
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Musculoskeletal Assessment and Basic Care Principles ................................ 2
Subtopic 2: Gastrointestinal Assessment and Diagnostic Procedures ............................... 9
Subtopic 3: Fall Prevention in Clinical and Home Settings .............................................. 17
Subtopic 4: Gastrointestinal Disorders – Common Conditions and Nursing Management 25
Subtopic 5: Disorders of the Small and Large Intestine – Assessment, Treatment, and
Nursing Implications (Questions 81–100) ...................................................................... 33
Subtopic 6: Nutritional Management in Gastrointestinal Surgical Patients....................... 40
, 2
Subtopic 1: Musculoskeletal Assessment and Basic
Care Principles
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult client with osteoarthritis. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect?
A. Warm, red, swollen joints
B. Joint stiffness that improves with activity
C. Symmetrical joint involvement
D. Elevated white blood cell count
Correct Answer: B. Joint stiffness that improves with activity
Rationale: Osteoarthritis is characterized by joint stiffness that typically improves with
movement. Unlike inflammatory arthritis, it does not cause significant warmth or systemic
signs of inflammation.
2. Which of the following is the most important initial step in preventing falls in a
hospitalized elderly patient?
A. Placing the call bell within reach
B. Performing a fall risk assessment
C. Providing non-slip socks
D. Keeping the bed in the lowest position
Correct Answer: B. Performing a fall risk assessment
Rationale: A fall risk assessment helps identify patients at high risk for falls, allowing for
tailored prevention strategies.
3. A client with a fractured femur is in skeletal traction. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
, 3
A. Clear fluid drainage from pin site
B. Mild discomfort at the fracture site
C. Pins that are loose or pulling away from the skin
D. Redness around the traction pin site
Correct Answer: C. Pins that are loose or pulling away from the skin
Rationale: Loose pins can compromise the effectiveness of traction and increase the risk
of infection or injury.
4. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is experiencing morning stiffness. Which intervention is
most appropriate?
A. Applying cold compresses
B. Taking a warm shower
C. Massage therapy
D. Elevating the extremities
Correct Answer: B. Taking a warm shower
Rationale: Warmth improves circulation and decreases stiffness in joints affected by
rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Which of the following findings indicates proper use of crutches during ambulation?
A. Crutch tips placed directly under the armpits
B. Elbows flexed at a 45-degree angle
C. Weight supported by the hands and arms
D. Crutches kept very close together during ambulation
Correct Answer: C. Weight supported by the hands and arms
, 4
Rationale: Proper crutch use involves supporting weight with the hands and arms to avoid
nerve damage in the axilla.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with a hip replacement. Which action is essential to prevent
dislocation?
A. Keep the legs abducted using a pillow
B. Encourage crossing the legs
C. Flex the hip more than 90 degrees
D. Position the client on the affected side
Correct Answer: A. Keep the legs abducted using a pillow
Rationale: Abduction prevents dislocation of the prosthetic hip, especially during the initial
postoperative period.
7. Which condition is most commonly associated with long-term corticosteroid use and
bone weakening?
A. Rheumatoid arthritis
B. Osteoarthritis
C. Osteoporosis
D. Gout
Correct Answer: C. Osteoporosis
Rationale: Long-term corticosteroid use inhibits bone formation and increases resorption,
leading to osteoporosis.
8. What is the most effective strategy for teaching a client with a cast about complications?
A. "Come to the hospital if the cast gets dirty."
