Deck 45: Musculoskeletal Function and Assessment

Question 1

The nurse is providing care for a patient who is diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis from a crushing injury. Laboratory results indicate elevated levels of CK, myoglobin, and serum potassium. Which nursing care is most important for the nurse implement?

A)Alternate heat and cold applications.
B)Observe the color and amount of urine.
C)Perform passive ROM hourly.
D)Monitor for signs of muscle deterioration.

Answer 1

Observe the color and amount of urine.

Question 2

A patient is recovering from a biopsy of the right femur and was given pain medication 1 hour ago. Which symptom does the nurse report and closely monitor in this patient? (Select all that apply.)

A)Temperature 98.4°F
B)Hematoma formation
C)Capillary refill of 3 seconds
D)Pain reported as 7 on a 0-to-10 scale
E)ROM of the ankle and knee present

Answer 2

Hematoma formation
Pain reported as 7 on a 0-to-10 scale

Question 3

A patient arrives at a clinic with a knee joint that is noticeably swollen, warm to the touch, and painful. The HCP plans to perform an arthrocentesis. Given the patient's symptoms, which is the least likely reason for the procedure?

A)To aspirate synovial fluid from the joint and relieve pressure
B)To inject corticosteroids or anti-inflammatories into the joint
C)To mechanically inhibit the production of synovial fluid
D)To visually inspect the withdrawn fluid for the presence to hemarthrosis

Answer 3

To mechanically inhibit the production of synovial fluid

Question 4

The nurse is caring for a patient with a suspected bone tumor. Which serum laboratory result indicates to the nurse that this health problem is present?

A)Decreased calcium
B)Increased magnesium
C)Increased creatine kinase (CK)
D)Elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

Question 5

The nurse is collecting data on an older adult patient. Which finding is indicative of normal changes in the musculoskeletal system of this patient?

A)Presence of pain in knees joints in the morning
B)Flaccid muscle tone in major muscle groups
C)A notable "S" curve of the spinal column
D)A recent history of falls and accidents

Question 6

A patient just had an arthrogram performed for pain in a synovial joint. Which nursing care is inappropriate following this procedure?

A)Elevate the limb that was tested.
B)Apply ice to the affected area.
C)Discuss the need for 12 to 24 hours of rest.
D)Apply an elastic wrap for swelling.

Question 7

A patient is prepared for a nuclear medicine scan of the skeleton, using gallium and thallium as the radioisotopes. Which nursing care will the nurse provide if the scan reveals high thallium concentrations?

A)Encourage fluid intake to neutralize radioisotopes.
B)Extend a willingness to sit and talk with the patient.
C)Medicate the patient as needed for pain from testing.
D)Support patient during episodes of vomiting and nausea.

Question 8

A patient diagnosed with curvature of the spine asks the nurse why breathing is so much more difficult. Which answer by the nurse best answers the question?

A)"The spine curvature is caused by a respiratory problem."
B)"The curvature is caused by leaning over to breathe."
C)"The thoracic cage expands with a spinal curvature."
D)"The thoracic cage has lost some flexibility."

Question 9

The nurse is preparing material for a presentation about the musculoskeletal system. Which information is inaccurate in regard to the functioning of this system?

A)Voluntary muscles require nerve impulses to contract.
B)A continuous supply of blood is needed from the circulatory system.
C)Joint articulations are maintained by moisture from the lymph system.
D)Adequate oxygenation is supplied by respiratory system functioning.

Question 10

The nurse is collecting data on a patient with manifestations of osteoarthritis. Which method of physical examination is unnecessary?

A)Auscultating for joint deformity
B)General visual inspection
C)Palpating for abnormal conditions
D)Observing ability to perform range of motion (ROM)

Question 11

The nurse is collecting data on a patient who is experiencing hip pain. Which data does the nurse consider to be subjective?

A)The presence of a notable limp
B)Limited range of motion in the hip
C)A pain level of 7 on a 0-to-10 scale
D)Wincing when the hip joint is moved

Question 12

A patient is scheduled for arthroscopic surgery on a knee. The patient is to receive light general anesthesia and will be discharged home. Which action will cause the nurse to contact the HCP or registered nurse (RN)?

A)Small amount of blood noted on the elastic wrap
B)A pain level of 8 on a 0-to-10 scale after mild analgesia
C)Assistance of two are needed to get into bedside chair
D)Grogginess lingers for several hours after the procedure

Question 13

A female patient arrives at the HCP's office for a routine checkup. The nurse notes that the patient is thin, of Asian descent, and experienced a surgery-induced menopause. Which test does the nurse expect the HCP to prescribe?

A)An anterior x-ray of the thoracic area
B)A bone scan of the ankle and wrist
C)A test to determine blood calcium levels
D)A dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)

Question 14

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a patient with severe bone pain. Which condition does the nurse suspect if the ALP level is elevated?

A)Osteoarthritis
B)Bone cancer
C)Unhealed fracture
D)Osteoporosis

Question 15

A patient was an unrestrained passenger in a motor vehicle accident and hit the windshield. In addition, the patient's leg was fractured. Which areas should be included in this patient's neurovascular checks? (Select all that apply.)

A)Pulses
B)Sensation
C)Movement
D)Orientation
E)Pupil reaction

Question 16

The nurse is helping a patient understand all of the functions of the skeleton. Which function is incorrect?

A)It protects organs and tissues from mechanical injury.
B)It is the main system responsible for body movement.
C)Long, flat, and irregular bones store blood-forming tissue.
D)The entire system is responsible for the storage of excess calcium.

Question 17

The nurse is collecting data for a patient with osteoporosis. Which serum calcium result indicates the typical changes that occur in serum calcium levels with osteoporosis?

A)6.5 mg/dL
B)8.9 mg/dL
C)9.7 mg/dL
D)11.2 mg/dL

Question 18

A patient is receiving care for a torn ligament at the insertion site of an upper arm muscle. The patient asks the nurse how this condition will affect movement. Which information will the nurse correctly share?

A)The lower arm can no longer be flexed.
B)The upper arm will become disabled.
C)The movement of the arm will seem normal.
D)The lower arm will tend to hyperextend.

Question 19

The nurse is providing care for a patient before a myelography for diagnosis of a spinal column condition. Which statement regarding nursing care related to this procedure is correct?

A)"I will check your vital signs throughout the procedure."
B)"I will stay close during the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) portion of the testing."
C)"You will be head down in bed so the medium flows to the neck."
D)"You will receive medication for nausea before the testing starts."

Question 20

The nurse is providing care for a patient scheduled for an arthrography. Which explanation about pain during the procedure does the nurse provide?

A)"There is no pain during the procedure."
B)"There is pain while the x-ray is taken."
C)"There is temporary pain during dye injection."
D)"The procedure will be uncomfortable until it is completed."