Deck 60: Musculoskeletal Trauma: Nursing Management

Question 1

A client has been wearing a splint for carpal tunnel syndrome for 7 weeks. The nurse realizes that which of the following would be the next course of treatment for this client?

A) Surgery
B) Exercises
C) Corticosteroid injection
D) Casting

Answer 1

Corticosteroid injection

Question 2

A client, experiencing a fractured arm, asks the nurse why the splint is being applied. Which of the following should the nurse respond to this client?

A) "It reduces the need for a cast."
B) "It reduces bleeding, swelling and pain."
C) "It prevents the need for surgery."
D) "It immobilizes the muscles and joints."

Answer 2

"It reduces bleeding, swelling and pain."

Question 3

A client has had a cast applied to immobilize a right ulnar fracture. Which of the following nursing interventions is most important?

A) Calling physical therapy for a sling
B) Checking capillary refill time
C) Giving pain medication
D) Starting discharge teaching

Answer 3

Checking capillary refill time

Question 4

The nurse is planning care for a client recovering from an amputation. Which of the following should be included in this plan of care? (Select all that apply.)

A) Provide pain medication 30 minutes before stump care.
B) Wash the stump daily with mild soap and warm water.
C) Allow the stump to dry open to the air for 10 minutes after washing.
D) Avoid massaging the stump.
E) Elevate the stump on a pillow.
F) Lie prone 10 to 20 minutes every day.

Question 5

The nurse suspects a client, recovering from hip replacement surgery, is experiencing an infection when which of the following is assessed?

A) Client using crutches to ambulate
B) Blood pressure 110/68 mmHg
C) Pain with movement
D) Foot intact to sensation and motion

Question 6

A client is diagnosed with a pathological fracture. For which of the following disease processes should the nurse assess the client? (Select all that apply.)

A) Cushing's syndrome
B) Osteomalacia
C) Paget's disease
D) Heart failure
E) Diabetes mellitus
F) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Question 7

A client with a right arm cast is experiencing signs of a serious complication. Which of the following would cause the nurse the most concern?

A) Capillary refill time less than 3 seconds
B) Finger movement
C) Itching under the cast
D) Severe pain to the right arm continues after receiving pain medication

Question 8

The nurse is assessing a client recovering from abdominal surgery for the development of a deep vein thrombosis. Which of the following would indicate that the client is experiencing this disorder? (Select all that apply.)

A) Pain and tenderness of the lower extremity
B) Red area on a limb that is warm to the touch
C) Unexplained dyspnea
D) Chest pain
E) Hemoptysis
F) Drop in blood pressure

Question 9

A client is unable to pass the chair raise test. The nurse realizes this client is experiencing:

A) carpal tunnel syndrome.
B) rotator cuff tear.
C) fractured arm.
D) lateral epicondylitis.

Question 10

A client, diagnosed with an ankle sprain, is prescribed ibuprofen to control pain and inflammation. What instruction should the client receive concerning this medication?

A) "Bleeding is not a problem with this medication."
B) "Take on an empty stomach to maximize its effect."
C) "Take with food to minimize gastrointestinal irritation."
D) "Wear sunscreen if outside to prevent a burn."

Question 11

A client who plays baseball on the weekends is experiencing an arm injury. The nurse realizes this client needs to be evaluated for:

A) a rotator cuff tear.
B) lateral epicondylitis.
C) dislocation of the shoulder.
D) patellar tendinopathy.

Question 12

A client, recovering from a fractured pelvis, begins to have dyspnea and restlessness. The nurse is concerned that the client is experiencing a fat emboli when which of the following are assessed? (Select all that apply.)

A) Upper body petechiae
B) Cough
C) Protein in the urine
D) Seizures
E) Temperature 102°F
F) Elevated blood glucose level

Question 13

A client tells the nurse that he has pain, swelling, fatigue, and numbness of his hands. The nurse should assess the client for which of the following occupations?

A) Retail store clerk
B) Lifeguard
C) Computer keyboard operator
D) Bus driver

Question 14

The nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of care for a client recovering from an injured Achilles tendon. Which of the following would indicate that care has been effective?

A) Client states steroid injections will be helpful to reduce the amount of pain.
B) Client plans to participate in rehabilitation for 5 to 6 months after the injury.
C) Client resumes sports activities as soon as possible.
D) Client uses heat to decrease the inflammation and swelling from the injury.

Question 15

A client with an ankle sprain is instructed to follow RICE. Which of the following should the nurse instruct the client regarding this process?

A) "Maintain your normal level of activity."
B) "Apply ice to the ankle once a day."
C) "Apply an elastic bandage to the site."
D) "Elevate the extremity every day for 20 to 30 minutes."

Question 16

The nurse is planning care for a client recovering from a meniscal injury. Which of the following should be included as strategies to avoid future injuries?

A) Avoid hamstring muscle exercises.
B) Stretch before and after exercise.
C) Wear similar shoes for all activities.
D) Avoid skiing.

Question 17

The nurse is instructing a client on ways to prevent the onset of stress fractures. Which of the following should be included in these instructions?

A) Avoid overtraining
B) Increase intensity of training 10% each day
C) Limit warm up exercises
D) Avoid shock absorbing footwear

Question 18

The nurse is concerned that a client is demonstrating signs of compartment syndrome. Which of the following is considered a classical symptom of this disorder? (Select all that apply.)

A) Pain
B) Paraplegia
C) Paresthesia
D) Pink
E) Pressure
F) Pulselessness