NUR 2790 NURSING EXAM 200 ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALE LATEST 2026
ALREADY GRADED A+ ASSURED PASS
This comprehensive 200-question NUR 2790 Professional Nursing III exam
bank covers essential topics in musculoskeletal trauma and fracture care,
including traction, cast management, compartment syndrome, fat embolism,
deep vein thrombosis, amputation care, hip fractures, and postoperative
complications. It rigorously tests clinical assessment, priority interventions,
patient education, and complication recognition across diverse orthopedic
scenarios. Each multiple-choice question includes a detailed rationale to
reinforce clinical judgment, evidence-based practice, and safe nursing care.
This resource is ideal for nursing students preparing for advanced medical-
surgical exams, clinical simulations, and NCLEX-style testing, ensuring
mastery of complex orthopedic nursing concepts and critical thinking skills.
1. A nurse assesses a client with a fracture who is being treated with skeletal
traction. Which assessment should alert the nurse to urgently contact the health
provider?
A) Blood pressure increases to 130/86 mm Hg
B) Traction weights are resting on the floor
C) Oozing of clear fluid is noted at the pin site
D) Capillary refill is less than 3 seconds
Answer: B
Rationale: Traction weights must be freely hanging at all times to maintain proper
alignment and reduction of the fracture. If weights rest on the floor, traction is lost,
which can lead to muscle spasms, pain, and improper healing. The provider must
be notified immediately, and the weights should be reapplied.
2. A nurse coordinates care for a client with a wet plaster cast. Which statement
should the nurse include when delegating care for this client to an unlicensed
assistive personnel (UAP)?
A) Assess distal pulses for potential compartment syndrome
B) Turn the client every 3 to 4 hours to promote cast drying
C) Use a cloth-covered pillow to elevate the client's leg
D) Handle the cast with your fingertips to prevent indentations
Answer: C
,Rationale: When delegating care to a UAP for a client with a wet plaster cast, the
UAP should be directed to ensure that the extremity is elevated on a cloth pillow
instead of a plastic pillow to promote drying. The client should be assessed for
impaired arterial circulation, a complication of compartment syndrome; however,
the nurse should not delegate assessments to a UAP. The client should be turned
every 1 to 2 hours to allow air to circulate and dry all parts of the cast. Providers
should handle the cast with the palms of the hands to prevent indentations.
3. A nurse obtains the health history of a client with a fractured femur. Which
factor identified in the client's history should the nurse recognize as an aspect that
may impede healing of the fracture?
A) Sedentary lifestyle
B) A 30 pack-year smoking history
C) Prescribed oral contraceptives
D) Paget's disease
Answer: D
Rationale: Paget's disease and bone cancer can cause pathologic fractures such as a
fractured femur that do not achieve total healing. The other factors do not impede
healing but may cause other health risks.
4. An emergency department nurse cares for a client who sustained a crush injury
to the right lower leg. The client reports numbness and tingling in the affected leg.
Which action should the nurse take first?
A) Assess the pedal pulses
B) Apply oxygen by nasal cannula
C) Increase the IV flow rate
D) Loosen the traction
Answer: A
Rationale: These symptoms represent early warning signs of acute compartment
syndrome. Sensory deficits such as paresthesias precede changes in vascular or
motor signs. If the nurse finds a decrease in pedal pulses, the health care provider
should be notified as soon as possible. Vital signs need to be obtained to determine
if oxygen and intravenous fluids are necessary. Traction, if implemented, should
never be loosened without a provider's prescription.
5. A nurse assesses an older adult client who was admitted 2 days ago with a
fractured hip. The nurse notes that the client is confused and restless. The client's
vital signs are heart rate 98 beats/min, respiratory rate 32 breaths/min, blood
pressure 132/78 mm Hg, and SpO2 88%. Which action should the nurse take first?
A) Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
,B) Re-position to a high-Fowler's position
C) Notify the provider
D) Apply a pulse oximeter to a different digit
Answer: A
Rationale: The client is at high risk for a fat embolism and has some of the clinical
manifestations of altered mental status and dyspnea. Although this is a life-
threatening emergency, the nurse should take the time to administer oxygen first
and then notify the health care provider. Oxygen administration can reduce the risk
for cerebral damage from hypoxia. Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES) is a fracture
complication in which fat globules are released from the yellow bone marrow into
the bloodstream within 12 to 48 hrs after an injury. Hip fracture patients are at
highest risk.
6. A nurse cares for a client placed in skeletal traction. The client asks, "What is
the primary purpose of this type of traction?" How should the nurse respond?
A) Skeletal traction will assist in realigning your fractured bone
B) This treatment will prevent future complications and back pain
C) Traction decreases muscle spasms that occur with a fracture
D) This type of traction minimizes damage as a result of fracture treatment
Answer: A
Rationale: Skeletal traction pins or screws are surgically inserted into the bone to
aid in bone alignment. As a last resort, traction can be used to relieve pain,
decrease muscle spasm, and prevent or correct deformity and tissue damage, but
these are not primary purposes of skeletal traction.
7. A nurse cares for a client in skeletal traction. The nurse notes that the skin
around the client's pin sites is swollen, red, and crusty with dried drainage. Which
action should the nurse take next?
A) Request a prescription to decrease the traction weight
B) Apply an antibiotic ointment and a clean dressing
C) Cleanse the area, scrubbing off the crusty areas
D) Obtain a prescription to culture the drainage
Answer: D
Rationale: These clinical manifestations indicate inflammation and possible
infection. Infected pin sites can lead to osteomyelitis and should be treated
immediately. The nurse should obtain a culture and assess vital signs. The provider
should be notified. By decreasing the traction weight, applying a new dressing, or
cleansing the area, the infection cannot be significantly treated.
, 8. A nurse cares for a client recovering from an above-the-knee amputation of the
right leg. The client reports pain in the right foot. Which prescribed medication
should the nurse administer first?
A) Intravenous morphine
B) Oral acetaminophen
C) Intravenous calcitonin
D) Oral ibuprofen
Answer: C
Rationale: The client is experiencing phantom limb pain, which usually manifests
as intense burning, crushing, or cramping. IV infusions of calcitonin during the
week after amputation can reduce phantom limb pain. Opioid analgesics such as
morphine may not be as effective for this type of pain.
9. A trauma nurse cares for several clients with fractures. Which client should the
nurse identify as at highest risk for developing deep vein thrombosis?
A) An 18-year-old male athlete with a fractured clavicle
B) A 36-year-old female with type 2 diabetes and fractured ribs
C) A 55-year-old woman prescribed aspirin for rheumatoid arthritis
D) A 74-year-old man who smokes and has a fractured pelvis
Answer: D
Rationale: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as a complication with bone fractures
occurs more often when fractures are sustained in the lower extremities and the
client has additional risk factors for thrombus formation. Other risk factors include
obesity, smoking, oral contraceptives, previous thrombus events, advanced age,
venous stasis, prolonged immobility, surgical procedure longer than 30 mins,
cancer or chemotherapy, and heart disease.
10. A nurse delegates care of a client in traction to an unlicensed assistive
personnel (UAP). Which statement should the nurse include when delegating
hygiene care for this client?
A) Remove the traction when re-positioning the client
B) Inspect the client's skin when performing a bed bath
C) Provide pin care by using alcohol wipes to clean the sites
D) Ensure that the weights remain freely hanging at all times
Answer: D
Rationale: Traction weights should be freely hanging at all times. They should not
be lifted manually or allowed to rest on the floor. The client should remain in
traction during hygiene activities. The nurse should assess the client's skin and
provide pin and wound care for a client who is in traction; this should not be
delegated to the UAP.
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALE LATEST 2026
ALREADY GRADED A+ ASSURED PASS
This comprehensive 200-question NUR 2790 Professional Nursing III exam
bank covers essential topics in musculoskeletal trauma and fracture care,
including traction, cast management, compartment syndrome, fat embolism,
deep vein thrombosis, amputation care, hip fractures, and postoperative
complications. It rigorously tests clinical assessment, priority interventions,
patient education, and complication recognition across diverse orthopedic
scenarios. Each multiple-choice question includes a detailed rationale to
reinforce clinical judgment, evidence-based practice, and safe nursing care.
This resource is ideal for nursing students preparing for advanced medical-
surgical exams, clinical simulations, and NCLEX-style testing, ensuring
mastery of complex orthopedic nursing concepts and critical thinking skills.
1. A nurse assesses a client with a fracture who is being treated with skeletal
traction. Which assessment should alert the nurse to urgently contact the health
provider?
A) Blood pressure increases to 130/86 mm Hg
B) Traction weights are resting on the floor
C) Oozing of clear fluid is noted at the pin site
D) Capillary refill is less than 3 seconds
Answer: B
Rationale: Traction weights must be freely hanging at all times to maintain proper
alignment and reduction of the fracture. If weights rest on the floor, traction is lost,
which can lead to muscle spasms, pain, and improper healing. The provider must
be notified immediately, and the weights should be reapplied.
2. A nurse coordinates care for a client with a wet plaster cast. Which statement
should the nurse include when delegating care for this client to an unlicensed
assistive personnel (UAP)?
A) Assess distal pulses for potential compartment syndrome
B) Turn the client every 3 to 4 hours to promote cast drying
C) Use a cloth-covered pillow to elevate the client's leg
D) Handle the cast with your fingertips to prevent indentations
Answer: C
,Rationale: When delegating care to a UAP for a client with a wet plaster cast, the
UAP should be directed to ensure that the extremity is elevated on a cloth pillow
instead of a plastic pillow to promote drying. The client should be assessed for
impaired arterial circulation, a complication of compartment syndrome; however,
the nurse should not delegate assessments to a UAP. The client should be turned
every 1 to 2 hours to allow air to circulate and dry all parts of the cast. Providers
should handle the cast with the palms of the hands to prevent indentations.
3. A nurse obtains the health history of a client with a fractured femur. Which
factor identified in the client's history should the nurse recognize as an aspect that
may impede healing of the fracture?
A) Sedentary lifestyle
B) A 30 pack-year smoking history
C) Prescribed oral contraceptives
D) Paget's disease
Answer: D
Rationale: Paget's disease and bone cancer can cause pathologic fractures such as a
fractured femur that do not achieve total healing. The other factors do not impede
healing but may cause other health risks.
4. An emergency department nurse cares for a client who sustained a crush injury
to the right lower leg. The client reports numbness and tingling in the affected leg.
Which action should the nurse take first?
A) Assess the pedal pulses
B) Apply oxygen by nasal cannula
C) Increase the IV flow rate
D) Loosen the traction
Answer: A
Rationale: These symptoms represent early warning signs of acute compartment
syndrome. Sensory deficits such as paresthesias precede changes in vascular or
motor signs. If the nurse finds a decrease in pedal pulses, the health care provider
should be notified as soon as possible. Vital signs need to be obtained to determine
if oxygen and intravenous fluids are necessary. Traction, if implemented, should
never be loosened without a provider's prescription.
5. A nurse assesses an older adult client who was admitted 2 days ago with a
fractured hip. The nurse notes that the client is confused and restless. The client's
vital signs are heart rate 98 beats/min, respiratory rate 32 breaths/min, blood
pressure 132/78 mm Hg, and SpO2 88%. Which action should the nurse take first?
A) Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
,B) Re-position to a high-Fowler's position
C) Notify the provider
D) Apply a pulse oximeter to a different digit
Answer: A
Rationale: The client is at high risk for a fat embolism and has some of the clinical
manifestations of altered mental status and dyspnea. Although this is a life-
threatening emergency, the nurse should take the time to administer oxygen first
and then notify the health care provider. Oxygen administration can reduce the risk
for cerebral damage from hypoxia. Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES) is a fracture
complication in which fat globules are released from the yellow bone marrow into
the bloodstream within 12 to 48 hrs after an injury. Hip fracture patients are at
highest risk.
6. A nurse cares for a client placed in skeletal traction. The client asks, "What is
the primary purpose of this type of traction?" How should the nurse respond?
A) Skeletal traction will assist in realigning your fractured bone
B) This treatment will prevent future complications and back pain
C) Traction decreases muscle spasms that occur with a fracture
D) This type of traction minimizes damage as a result of fracture treatment
Answer: A
Rationale: Skeletal traction pins or screws are surgically inserted into the bone to
aid in bone alignment. As a last resort, traction can be used to relieve pain,
decrease muscle spasm, and prevent or correct deformity and tissue damage, but
these are not primary purposes of skeletal traction.
7. A nurse cares for a client in skeletal traction. The nurse notes that the skin
around the client's pin sites is swollen, red, and crusty with dried drainage. Which
action should the nurse take next?
A) Request a prescription to decrease the traction weight
B) Apply an antibiotic ointment and a clean dressing
C) Cleanse the area, scrubbing off the crusty areas
D) Obtain a prescription to culture the drainage
Answer: D
Rationale: These clinical manifestations indicate inflammation and possible
infection. Infected pin sites can lead to osteomyelitis and should be treated
immediately. The nurse should obtain a culture and assess vital signs. The provider
should be notified. By decreasing the traction weight, applying a new dressing, or
cleansing the area, the infection cannot be significantly treated.
, 8. A nurse cares for a client recovering from an above-the-knee amputation of the
right leg. The client reports pain in the right foot. Which prescribed medication
should the nurse administer first?
A) Intravenous morphine
B) Oral acetaminophen
C) Intravenous calcitonin
D) Oral ibuprofen
Answer: C
Rationale: The client is experiencing phantom limb pain, which usually manifests
as intense burning, crushing, or cramping. IV infusions of calcitonin during the
week after amputation can reduce phantom limb pain. Opioid analgesics such as
morphine may not be as effective for this type of pain.
9. A trauma nurse cares for several clients with fractures. Which client should the
nurse identify as at highest risk for developing deep vein thrombosis?
A) An 18-year-old male athlete with a fractured clavicle
B) A 36-year-old female with type 2 diabetes and fractured ribs
C) A 55-year-old woman prescribed aspirin for rheumatoid arthritis
D) A 74-year-old man who smokes and has a fractured pelvis
Answer: D
Rationale: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as a complication with bone fractures
occurs more often when fractures are sustained in the lower extremities and the
client has additional risk factors for thrombus formation. Other risk factors include
obesity, smoking, oral contraceptives, previous thrombus events, advanced age,
venous stasis, prolonged immobility, surgical procedure longer than 30 mins,
cancer or chemotherapy, and heart disease.
10. A nurse delegates care of a client in traction to an unlicensed assistive
personnel (UAP). Which statement should the nurse include when delegating
hygiene care for this client?
A) Remove the traction when re-positioning the client
B) Inspect the client's skin when performing a bed bath
C) Provide pin care by using alcohol wipes to clean the sites
D) Ensure that the weights remain freely hanging at all times
Answer: D
Rationale: Traction weights should be freely hanging at all times. They should not
be lifted manually or allowed to rest on the floor. The client should remain in
traction during hygiene activities. The nurse should assess the client's skin and
provide pin and wound care for a client who is in traction; this should not be
delegated to the UAP.
