Chapter 44: Assessment of the
Musculoskeletal System
Ignatavicius: Medical-Surgical Nursing, 10th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The client’s electronic health record indicates genu varum. What does the nurse
understand this term to mean?
a. Bow-legged
b. Fluid accumulation
c. Knock-kneed
d. Spinal curvature
ANS: A
Genu varum is a bow-legged deformity. A fluid accumulation is an effusion. Genu
valgum is knock-kneed. A spinal curvature could be kyphosis or lordosis.
DIF: Remembering TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
KEY: Musculoskeletal assessment, Musculoskeletal deformities
MSC: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Physiological
Adaptation
2. The nurse is teaching a client who had a left humeral biopsy about home care. Which
statement by the client indicates understanding of the nurse’s teaching?
a. “I will take my opioids only when I have severe pain.”
b. “I will keep my left arm elevated for 24 hours.”
c. “I will watch for tenderness and warmth around the biopsy site.”
d. “I will report any discomfort to my primary health care provider immediately.”
, ANS: C
Bone biopsy is an ambulatory procedure which can cause some discomfort but not
severe pain. The client can use the affected arm soon after the procedure but should
watch for tenderness and warmth which could indicate infection.
DIF: Understanding TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
KEY: Musculoskeletal assessment, Diagnostic tests MSC: Client
Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation
3. The nurse is teaching assistive personnel (AP) about the risk for osteoporosis
associated with race or ethnicity. Which population typically has a decreased
incidence of osteoporosis when compared to Euro-Americans?
a. Irish Americans
b. African Americans
c. American Indians
d. Asian Americans
ANS: B
African Americans usually have more bone mass when compared to Euro-Americans
which makes them at a decreased risk for osteoporosis.
DIF: Remembering TOP: Integrated Process: Culture and Spirituality
KEY: Musculoskeletal assessment MSC: Client Needs
Category: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation
4. The nurse is caring for an older client who has kyphosis and a widened gait. For which
health problems is the client at risk?
a. Osteoporosis
b. Contracture
c. Osteopenia
d. Falls
Musculoskeletal System
Ignatavicius: Medical-Surgical Nursing, 10th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The client’s electronic health record indicates genu varum. What does the nurse
understand this term to mean?
a. Bow-legged
b. Fluid accumulation
c. Knock-kneed
d. Spinal curvature
ANS: A
Genu varum is a bow-legged deformity. A fluid accumulation is an effusion. Genu
valgum is knock-kneed. A spinal curvature could be kyphosis or lordosis.
DIF: Remembering TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
KEY: Musculoskeletal assessment, Musculoskeletal deformities
MSC: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Physiological
Adaptation
2. The nurse is teaching a client who had a left humeral biopsy about home care. Which
statement by the client indicates understanding of the nurse’s teaching?
a. “I will take my opioids only when I have severe pain.”
b. “I will keep my left arm elevated for 24 hours.”
c. “I will watch for tenderness and warmth around the biopsy site.”
d. “I will report any discomfort to my primary health care provider immediately.”
, ANS: C
Bone biopsy is an ambulatory procedure which can cause some discomfort but not
severe pain. The client can use the affected arm soon after the procedure but should
watch for tenderness and warmth which could indicate infection.
DIF: Understanding TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
KEY: Musculoskeletal assessment, Diagnostic tests MSC: Client
Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation
3. The nurse is teaching assistive personnel (AP) about the risk for osteoporosis
associated with race or ethnicity. Which population typically has a decreased
incidence of osteoporosis when compared to Euro-Americans?
a. Irish Americans
b. African Americans
c. American Indians
d. Asian Americans
ANS: B
African Americans usually have more bone mass when compared to Euro-Americans
which makes them at a decreased risk for osteoporosis.
DIF: Remembering TOP: Integrated Process: Culture and Spirituality
KEY: Musculoskeletal assessment MSC: Client Needs
Category: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation
4. The nurse is caring for an older client who has kyphosis and a widened gait. For which
health problems is the client at risk?
a. Osteoporosis
b. Contracture
c. Osteopenia
d. Falls
