Question 1

The nurse is teaching older adults about the risks for musculoskeletal trauma. Which strategies should the nurse include?. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) Avoiding falls is important as it can lead to musculoskeletal trauma. Not using throw rugs can help reduce the risk of slipping and falling.
B) Good nutrition is important for maintaining bone health and strength.
C) Osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures, so being screened for this condition can help identify those at risk.
E) Assistive devices, such as canes or walkers, can help prevent falls and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal trauma. Avoiding crowds (option D) is not directly related to the prevention of musculoskeletal trauma.

Question 2

Which home care instructions would the nurse provide a patient whose ulnar fracture was treated with an external fixator device?

Accepted Answer

It is important for the patient to monitor the pin sites for signs of infection or discomfort and to notify their healthcare provider if there are any issues.

Answer: D 
 The patient should avoid using the affected arm to prevent further injury or damage to the healing ulnar fracture. This will also help ensure proper healing of the fracture.

Therefore, the best choices are A and D.

Question 3

The patient is diagnosed with an oblique fracture of the left femur. The nurse understands that the process of bone healing occurs in phases. Place in order the phases of the bone healing process.
A) Reparative phase
B) Initial injury (fracture)
C) Inflammatory phase
D) Remodeling phase

Accepted Answer

The answer of The patient is diagnosed with an oblique...

Question 4

A patient recovering from a fractured hip is at risk for developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The nurse monitors for which findings that would indicate DVT is occurring?

Accepted Answer

A positive Homans' sign, which is characterized by pain in the calf upon dorsiflexion, can indicate the presence of DVT.

Answer: D) Tachypnea 
 Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, can indicate the presence of a pulmonary embolism, which is a potential complication of DVT. However, tachypnea alone is not a definitive sign of DVT.

B) Decreased urine output and C) Confusion are not typically associated with DVT.

Question 5

Which assessment data would the nurse interpret as indicating a patient could be experiencing a fat embolus?. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A fat embolus can cause hypoxemia (low oxygen levels, indicated by pulse oximetry 86%), petechiae (small red spots on the skin), respiratory distress (shortness of breath and chest pain), and increased respiratory rate (32 breaths per minute).

Question 6

A patient has a minor orthopedic injury to the arm. The nurse would suspect the development of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) based on which assessment findings?

Accepted Answer

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is characterized by prolonged and severe pain that may be disproportionate to the original injury, as well as limited joint mobility and changes in skin temperature and color (including cyanotic fingers). Fever, rash, vague abdominal pain with diarrhea, and other symptoms are not typically associated with CRPS.

Question 7

The nurse has identified the diagnosis Acute Pain for a patient recovering from an above-the-knee amputation. Which nursing interventions would be beneficial for this patient?. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Administering analgesics before pain escalates helps manage pain effectively. Supporting the injured area during movement prevents additional pain. Encouraging deep breathing and relaxation exercises can help in pain management and promote relaxation.

Question 8

The nurse should assess a patient with a long leg cast for which signs that would indicate compromised circulation?. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Swelling of the toes and a tight cast are signs that indicate compromised circulation in a patient with a long leg cast. Drainage on the cast, foul odor, and elevated temperature are not necessarily indicators of compromised circulation.

Question 9

A patient is diagnosed with a sprained right ankle. The nurse instructs the patient on which common treatment of sprains?

Accepted Answer

The most common treatment for a sprain is the RICE method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This helps to reduce swelling and pain in the affected area. Application of a long leg cast is not appropriate for a sprained ankle, and opioid pain medication is generally not recommended as the first line of treatment. Heat is also not typically used in the initial treatment of a sprain, as it can increase swelling and inflammation.

Question 10

The nurse would be most alert for assessment findings of osteomyelitis in which patients?. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can occur after an open fracture or surgery involving bones (such as open reduction and external fixator devices). Spiral fractures and ligament tears do not typically increase the risk of osteomyelitis.

Question 11

A patient is diagnosed with a compound fracture and is scheduled for immediate surgery. Which nursing diagnosis would have the highest priority in the immediate postoperative period?

Accepted Answer

The highest priority nursing diagnosis in the immediate postoperative period for a patient with a compound fracture is Risk for Infection. This is because the patient is at high risk for infection due to the open wound from the fracture and the surgical incision. Infection can lead to serious complications and delayed healing, prolonging the recovery process. It is important to monitor the patient for signs of infection such as fever, redness, swelling, and drainage, and to follow strict infection control protocols to prevent the spread of infection.

Question 12

The nurse is observing a patient learning to use crutches. Which observation would prompt the nurse to reinforce teaching about crutch walking?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is observing a patient learning...

Question 13

The nurse is aware that which occupations could put a patient at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome?. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is aware that which occupations...

Quiz 50: Caring for the Patient With Musculoskeletal Trauma and Surgical Procedures