ATI Medical-Surgical | Exam (Musculoskeletal & Immune
Disorders) Questions With Answers and detailed Rationales
Question 1.
A nurse is assessing a client with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Which of the following findings
is characteristic of RA rather than Osteoarthritis?
A. Unilateral joint involvement
B. Joint pain that improves with rest
C. Symmetrical joint swelling and pain
D. Crepitus with range of motion
Correct Answer: C. Symmetrical joint swelling and pain
Explanation: Rheumatoid Arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by
symmetrical joint involvement. Osteoarthritis is typically asymmetrical and pain often
improves with rest.
Question 2.
A nurse is teaching a client about a DEXA scan. Which of the following statements should
the nurse include?
A. You will need to remain NPO for 8 hours before the test.
B. A radioactive isotope will be injected into your vein.
C. The test measures bone density to screen for osteoporosis.
D. You must remain still for at least 2 hours.
Correct Answer: C. The test measures bone density to screen for osteoporosis.
Explanation: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is the gold standard for
measuring bone mineral density and diagnosing osteoporosis.
Question 3.
A client is 4 hours postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take?
A. Maintain the hip at a 120-degree angle when sitting.
B. Encourage the client to cross their legs at the ankles.
C. Place an abduction pillow between the client’s legs.
D. Keep the operative leg in an adducted position.
Correct Answer: C. Place an abduction pillow between the client’s legs.
Explanation: An abduction pillow or wedge is used to prevent adduction and internal
rotation, which could cause dislocation of the new hip prosthesis.
, Question 4.
A nurse is assessing a client for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Which of the
following is a classic skin manifestation of this condition?
A. Scaly patches on the elbows
B. Jaundice of the sclera
C. Painless vesicles on the trunk
D. Butterfly rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks
Correct Answer: D. Butterfly rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks
Explanation: A butterfly rash (malar rash) across the nose and cheeks is a hallmark sign
of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Question 5.
A client with an arm cast reports increased pain that is not relieved by elevation or
medication. Which of the following is the priority action?
A. Perform a neurovascular assessment and check for pulselessness.
B. Administer an additional dose of pain medication.
C. Apply an ice pack to the cast.
D. Teach the client relaxation techniques.
Correct Answer: A. Perform a neurovascular assessment and check for
pulselessness.
Explanation: Unrelieved pain is a primary sign of Compartment Syndrome, a surgical
emergency requiring immediate neurovascular assessment.
Question 6.
Which lab value is most specific to a diagnosis of Gout?
A. Increased Calcium
B. Increased Serum Uric Acid
C. Decreased Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
D. Decreased White Blood Cell count
Correct Answer: B. Increased Serum Uric Acid
Explanation: Gout is caused by hyperuricemia, leading to the deposition of urate crystals
in joints; therefore, elevated serum uric acid is a key finding.
Disorders) Questions With Answers and detailed Rationales
Question 1.
A nurse is assessing a client with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Which of the following findings
is characteristic of RA rather than Osteoarthritis?
A. Unilateral joint involvement
B. Joint pain that improves with rest
C. Symmetrical joint swelling and pain
D. Crepitus with range of motion
Correct Answer: C. Symmetrical joint swelling and pain
Explanation: Rheumatoid Arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by
symmetrical joint involvement. Osteoarthritis is typically asymmetrical and pain often
improves with rest.
Question 2.
A nurse is teaching a client about a DEXA scan. Which of the following statements should
the nurse include?
A. You will need to remain NPO for 8 hours before the test.
B. A radioactive isotope will be injected into your vein.
C. The test measures bone density to screen for osteoporosis.
D. You must remain still for at least 2 hours.
Correct Answer: C. The test measures bone density to screen for osteoporosis.
Explanation: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is the gold standard for
measuring bone mineral density and diagnosing osteoporosis.
Question 3.
A client is 4 hours postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take?
A. Maintain the hip at a 120-degree angle when sitting.
B. Encourage the client to cross their legs at the ankles.
C. Place an abduction pillow between the client’s legs.
D. Keep the operative leg in an adducted position.
Correct Answer: C. Place an abduction pillow between the client’s legs.
Explanation: An abduction pillow or wedge is used to prevent adduction and internal
rotation, which could cause dislocation of the new hip prosthesis.
, Question 4.
A nurse is assessing a client for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Which of the
following is a classic skin manifestation of this condition?
A. Scaly patches on the elbows
B. Jaundice of the sclera
C. Painless vesicles on the trunk
D. Butterfly rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks
Correct Answer: D. Butterfly rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks
Explanation: A butterfly rash (malar rash) across the nose and cheeks is a hallmark sign
of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Question 5.
A client with an arm cast reports increased pain that is not relieved by elevation or
medication. Which of the following is the priority action?
A. Perform a neurovascular assessment and check for pulselessness.
B. Administer an additional dose of pain medication.
C. Apply an ice pack to the cast.
D. Teach the client relaxation techniques.
Correct Answer: A. Perform a neurovascular assessment and check for
pulselessness.
Explanation: Unrelieved pain is a primary sign of Compartment Syndrome, a surgical
emergency requiring immediate neurovascular assessment.
Question 6.
Which lab value is most specific to a diagnosis of Gout?
A. Increased Calcium
B. Increased Serum Uric Acid
C. Decreased Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
D. Decreased White Blood Cell count
Correct Answer: B. Increased Serum Uric Acid
Explanation: Gout is caused by hyperuricemia, leading to the deposition of urate crystals
in joints; therefore, elevated serum uric acid is a key finding.
