Question 1

Which disease process is associated with the aging process?

Accepted Answer

Degenerative joint disease (DJD), also known as osteoarthritis, is commonly associated with the aging process. It results from the wear and tear of joint cartilage over time.

Question 2

A patient who is able to elevate his or her arm, but not against resistance, should be given which rating?

Accepted Answer

A muscle strength rating of 3 indicates that the patient can move the limb against gravity but not against any resistance.

Question 3

The nurse uses the Phalen test to assessment for which item?

Accepted Answer

The Phalen test is used to assess for carpal tunnel syndrome by flexing the wrists and observing for numbness or tingling in the hands, which may indicate median nerve compression.

Question 4

The nurse is providing care to an older adult patient who is a retired farmer. The patient reports hip pain that worsens as the day progresses. Which diagnosis does the nurse anticipate based on this data?

Accepted Answer

Osteoarthritis is characterized by joint pain that worsens with activity throughout the day, which aligns with the patient's symptoms. It is a common form of arthritis in older adults, often affecting those with a history of significant physical labor, such as farming.

Question 5

The nurse is providing care to an older adult patient with congestive heart failure. The patient reports fatigue when trying to get up and walk. The patient is prescribed digoxin and Lasix (furosemide). Which is the most likely cause for the patient's current problem?

Accepted Answer

The patient's fatigue upon exertion, combined with their prescription for digoxin and Lasix (furosemide), suggests hypokalemia as the most likely cause. Lasix is a diuretic that can lead to potassium loss, and low potassium levels can affect muscle function and energy levels. Additionally, digoxin's effectiveness and safety are closely related to potassium levels, with hypokalemia increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.

Question 6

The nurse is assessing an adult patient who reports painful joints. Upon further assessment the nurse notes a bull's-eye rash on the patient's thigh. Based on this data which diagnosis does the nurse suspect?

Accepted Answer

The bull's-eye rash, also known as erythema migrans, is a classic sign of Lyme disease, which is transmitted by tick bites. Painful joints are also a symptom of Lyme disease.

Question 7

Which structure connects bones to one another?

Accepted Answer

Ligaments are the structures that connect bones to one another, providing stability and support to the joints.

Question 8

The nurse plans to use a goniometer during the physical assessment. Which is assessed using this tool?

Accepted Answer

A goniometer is specifically used to measure the range of motion (ROM) in a joint, such as how far a joint can be flexed or extended.

Question 9

Which is a function of the musculoskeletal system?

Accepted Answer

Hematopoiesis, the process of blood cell production, occurs in the bone marrow, which is part of the musculoskeletal system.

Question 10

Which is not involved with a coordinated gait?

Accepted Answer

Arms naturally swing in opposition to the feet during walking to maintain balance and coordination. Swinging in the same direction as the feet would disrupt this balance, indicating it is not involved in a coordinated gait.

Question 11

Which is the nurse evaluating when conducting the Romberg test?

Accepted Answer

The Romberg test is used to evaluate cerebellar function, specifically balance and proprioception.

Question 12

The nurse is assessing an adolescent for scoliosis. Which action is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

The appropriate action for assessing an adolescent for scoliosis is to ask the patient to bend forward at the waist with the arms hanging and relaxed. This position, known as the Adam's Forward Bend Test, allows the examiner to observe any asymmetry or abnormal spinal curvatures, which are indicative of scoliosis. The other options do not specifically aid in the detection of scoliosis.

Question 13

Which is an example of a ball-and-socket joint?

Accepted Answer

The shoulder is an example of a ball-and-socket joint, which allows for a wide range of movement in many directions.

Question 14

Which landmarks does the nurse use to measure true leg length?

Accepted Answer

The true leg length is measured from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the medial malleolus, which helps in assessing leg length discrepancy accurately.

Question 15

Which process of aging is responsible for loss in height?

Accepted Answer

Thinning of intervertebral discs is a primary factor contributing to loss in height as we age. This process reduces the cushioning between the vertebrae, leading to a decrease in spinal column length.

Question 16

Which individual is at the least risk for developing osteoporosis?

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis risk factors include being female, advanced age, Asian or Caucasian ethnicity, and a history of fractures. African American males have a lower risk compared to females and other ethnicities, making the 72-year-old African American male the least likely to develop osteoporosis among the options provided.

Question 17

Which changes during pregnancy account for the waddling gait?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which changes during pregnancy account for the...

Question 18

In assessing a pediatric patient, which variation would be considered abnormal?

Accepted Answer

Scoliosis, characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine, is considered an abnormal variation in pediatric patients, whereas genu valgum (knock knees), genu varum (bowlegs), and lordosis (inward curvature of the lower back) can be normal variations depending on the child's age and developmental stage.

Question 19

The nurse is assessing for a herniated nucleus pulposus. Which action is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Raising the affected leg and dorsiflexing the foot (Straight Leg Raise Test) is a common method to assess for herniated nucleus pulposus, as it can reproduce sciatic pain by stretching the sciatic nerve.

Question 20

Where does lengthening of the long bones occur?

Accepted Answer

The lengthening of long bones occurs at the epiphyses, specifically in the growth plates (epiphyseal plates) located at the ends of the bones.

Quiz 12: Assessing the Motor-Musculoskeletal System