Question 1

During a home visit the nurse suspects that a patient recovering from an amputation is not complying with prescribed postoperative care.What observation caused the nurse to make this clinical determination?

Accepted Answer

Evidence of a developing hip contracture indicates that the patient may not be complying with prescribed postoperative care, which includes repositioning and range of motion exercises to prevent contractures. The suture line being pink and edematous is a normal finding after an amputation and is not necessarily indicative of non-compliance. Wrapping the stump with a compression bandage is also a normal part of postoperative care. Taking opioid medication as prescribed does not necessarily indicate non-compliance.

Question 2

A patient is treated for a second-degree sprain.Which patient statement indicates that teaching about care has been ineffective?

Accepted Answer

Numbness is not a typical symptom of a sprain and may indicate a more serious injury. The patient should seek further medical attention if numbness is present.

Question 3

A patient recovering from surgery to repair a fractured hip is placed on skin traction.Which finding indicates that the traction is being effective?

Accepted Answer

Skin traction is used to reduce muscle spasms and align the bones, so a reduction in muscle spasms indicates that the traction is effective.

Question 4

A patient sustained a meniscus injury several months ago and did not seek medical attention.What is this patient at risk of developing?

Accepted Answer

Delayed treatment of a meniscus injury can lead to permanent joint damage, as the injury will not heal on its own and can cause increased wear and tear on the joint. Tendonitis, fractured patella, and dependent edema are not typically associated with untreated meniscus injuries.

Question 5

The nurse suspects that a patient is developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).What finding caused the nurse to make this clinical determination?

Accepted Answer

Hand tingling during the night is a classic symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. The other options are not consistent with CTS. Reduced radial pulses may indicate a vascular issue, fingers cool to touch may indicate poor circulation, and capillary refill > 3 seconds may indicate poor perfusion, but these do not relate to nerve compression in the wrist.

Question 6

A patient has an injury where one side of the bone is bent and the other is fractured.How should the nurse document this fracture?

Accepted Answer

A greenstick fracture is characterized by one side of the bone being bent and the other side being fractured, commonly seen in children.

Question 7

A patient with peripheral vascular disease has a non-healing leg wound.Which observation indicates that the patient is at risk for an elective amputation?

Accepted Answer

The development of gangrene indicates that the tissue is necrotic and has lost its blood supply, which can lead to the need for elective amputation. Mutilation of soft tissue, crushed bones, and severed blood vessels and nerves can all potentially cause the need for amputation, but the development of gangrene is a stronger indicator of a need for urgent intervention.

Question 8

The nurse suspects that while playing basketball a patient sustained a meniscus tear.What information did the nurse use to make this decision?

Accepted Answer

The knee popping when bent is a common symptom of a meniscus tear. Weak peripheral pulses, reduced muscle tone of the thigh, and calf cramping with the knees bent are not associated with this injury.

Question 9

A patient recovering from a traumatic amputation is experiencing phantom limb pain.What should the nurse expect to be included in the treatment plan for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Gabapentin is a medication commonly used to treat phantom limb pain. The other options, such as a rigid splint, ice compresses, or elevating the stump on a pillow, would not be effective treatments for phantom limb pain.

Question 10

The nurse requests an occupational therapy consultation for a patient with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.What is the reason for this consultation?

Accepted Answer

Occupational therapy can evaluate the work area and make recommendations for modifications to reduce strain on the wrists.

Question 11

A patient with Paget's disease is demonstrating manifestations of a fracture.What diagnostic test should be ordered to confirm if a fracture has occurred?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient with Paget's disease is demonstrating...

Question 12

The nurse is reviewing postoperative instructions with a patient recovering from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)surgery.Which statement indicates that additional teaching would be required?

Accepted Answer

While some mild numbness may be expected after CTS surgery, prolonged or worsening numbness could be a sign of complications and should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. Therefore, additional teaching is required. The other options demonstrate appropriate understanding of postoperative care.

Question 13

A patient recovering from surgery to repair a fractured femur is experiencing extreme pain and pulselessness.What should the nurse expect to be prescribed for this patient?

Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms may indicate compartment syndrome, which requires immediate treatment with a fasciotomy to relieve pressure and restore circulation. Limb CT scan, intravenous fluids, and anticoagulant therapy are not indicated for this specific situation.

Question 14

The nurse notes that a patient recovering from surgery to repair a torn meniscus has a blood pressure of 158/90 mm Hg.This finding would suggest that the nurse also assess the patient for which condition?

Accepted Answer

A blood pressure of 158/90 mm Hg may indicate pain, which can cause an increase in blood pressure due to activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Assessing pain would be a priority in this situation. While the other conditions listed (edema, infection, hemorrhage) are important to monitor for in a post-operative patient, they would not necessarily be directly correlated with an elevated blood pressure reading.

Question 15

While playing tennis a patient fell and fractured the right elbow.For which treatment should the nurse prepare this patient?

Accepted Answer

A cast is a rigid bandage that is used to immobilize a fractured bone. It is made of plaster or fiberglass and is applied to the limb after the bone has been set.

Question 16

A patient with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)does not want to have surgery.What is this patient at risk for developing?

Accepted Answer

Without surgical intervention, the patient is at risk for chronic pain and potentially worsening their nerve injury. While infection and hematoma formation are possible complications of surgery, they are not risks associated with choosing not to have surgery.

Question 17

A patient is recovering from surgery to repair a third-degree strain.What needs to be emphasized to the patient about postoperative care?

Accepted Answer

Immobilizing the extremity for four to six weeks is crucial to allow proper healing of the repaired tissue after a third-degree strain surgery.

Question 18

A patient seeks medical treatment for a meniscus injury.What assessment finding would suggest a reason this injury occurred?

Accepted Answer

Chronic joint disease can weaken the joint structures, making them more susceptible to injuries like a meniscus tear.

Question 19

The nurse is preparing a teaching tool for a community health program.What should the nurse include as a risk factor for the development of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)?

Accepted Answer

Playing musical instruments often involves repetitive hand and wrist movements, which is a known risk factor for developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Question 20

A 70-year-old patient is diagnosed with a low energy fracture.What most likely caused this injury to occur?

Accepted Answer

Low energy fractures are typically caused by falls, especially in older adults with weakened bones. Contact sports, bicycle accidents, and motor vehicle collisions are examples of high energy fractures.

Quiz 54: Coordinating Care for Patients With Musculoskeletal Trauma