Question 1

A daughter brings her 77-year-old mother to the Emergency Department after falling in her home. The daughter states, "I hope she hasn't broken her hip." Which of the following would the nurse assess if the client did sustain a hip fracture?

Accepted Answer

Severe pain radiating to the knee is a common symptom of a hip fracture.

Question 2

When describing the sequence of events that occur after a bone breaks, the instructor would identify which of the following as occurring initially?

Accepted Answer

A

Question 3

A male client, an ace professional tennis player, sprains his right ankle during a tennis match. The client is immediately rushed to the nurse who provides him with first-aid care. Which of the following would the nurse immediately provide?

Accepted Answer

The nurse would immediately provide rest, ice, compression, elevation, and stabilization to alleviate pain, reduce swelling, prevent further injury, and improve healing. This is the standard care for acute musculoskeletal injuries. Heat, exercise, and analgesics should be avoided in the acute phase of injury as they can exacerbate inflammation and delay healing.

Question 4

Radiographic evaluation of a client's fracture reveals that a bone fragment has been driven into another bone fragment. The nurse identifies this as which type of fracture?

Accepted Answer

An impacted fracture occurs when one fragment of bone is driven into another fragment. This is also known as a "telescoping" fracture. None of the other types of fractures listed involve one bone fragment being driven into another.

Question 5

The physician tells a client with a traumatic musculoskeletal injury to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief. Which of the following pointers should the nurse emphasize with the client?

Accepted Answer

It is important to take NSAIDs with food to avoid stomach upset and potential gastrointestinal bleeding. Staying on complete bed rest is not recommended as it can lead to muscle atrophy and delayed healing. Avoiding dairy products and exposure to direct sunlight are unrelated to the use of NSAIDs for pain relief.

Question 6

The nurse is required to design a teaching plan for a client with a ruptured Achilles tendon. Which of the following would the nurse emphasize?

Accepted Answer

The nurse would emphasize activity restrictions for a client with a ruptured Achilles tendon in order to promote proper healing and prevent further injury. The other options (dietary restrictions, use of nonprescription medications, effective pin care) are not relevant to this particular injury.

Question 7

A client sustains an injury to the ligaments surrounding a joint. The nurse identifies this as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Ligament injuries are called sprains. Strains involve injuries to muscles or tendons, contusions involve bruises, and fractures involve broken bones.

Question 8

A client arriving at the Emergency Department is diagnosed with a dislocation. Assessment would most likely reveal which of the following? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A client arriving at the Emergency Department...

Question 9

A client has a history of dislocations of the same joint. The nurse understands that this is most likely due to an insufficient deposit of collagen during the healing process leading to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Collagen is a protein that provides tensile strength to tissues. Insufficient deposit of collagen during the healing process can result in reduced tensile strength of the affected tissue, making it more prone to future dislocations.

Question 10

A client comes to the Emergency Department complaining of localized pain and swelling of his lower leg. Ecchymotic areas are noted. History reveals that the client got hit in the leg with a baseball bat. Which of the following would the nurse suspect as most likely?

Accepted Answer

Ecchymotic areas, localized pain and swelling are indicative of a contusion, which is commonly caused by trauma such as being hit with a baseball bat. Fractures may also result from trauma but would typically show other signs such as deformity or inability to bear weight. Sprains and strains usually involve joint or muscle injuries, respectively, and would not cause localized swelling and ecchymosis.

Question 11

A client with a fracture develops compartment syndrome that requires surgical intervention. The nurse would most likely prepare the client for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Compartment syndrome is a medical emergency that occurs when increased pressure within a confined anatomical space (compartment) compromises the circulation and function of the tissues within that space. Fasciotomy is the surgical treatment for compartment syndrome and involves making incisions through the skin and underlying fascia to relieve the pressure within the affected compartment, which can help prevent irreversible damage to the tissues. A bone graft, joint replacement, or amputation is not typically needed for compartment syndrome unless the tissue damage is severe and irreversible.

Question 12

A 16-year-old female is brought to the clinic by her mother who is concerned about her daughter's complaints of pain in her arm. Theclient is a member of her high school crew team and practices for 2 ½ hours every day after school. Which of the following would the nurse suspect?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A 16-year-old female is brought to the...

Question 13

A client is receiving subcutaneous heparin after surgery to repair a fractured hip. The nurse understands that the rationale for this therapy is to reduce the risk for which the following?

Accepted Answer

Subcutaneous heparin is a medication that helps to prevent blood clots from forming. As the client may be immobile after surgery, there is an increased risk for the development of blood clots which can potentially travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. Heparin therapy helps to reduce this risk.

Question 14

A nurse is caring for a client who has sustained ligament and a meniscal injury to the knee. Which action would be most appropriate to allow the client to progress without causing further injury?

Accepted Answer

Assisting with a gradual introduction of activity would be the most appropriate action to allow the client to progress without causing further injury. This will allow the client to slowly increase their range of motion and strength while minimizing the risk of further damage to the knee. NSAIDs may provide pain relief but they will not promote healing or prevent further injury. Applying heat or a cold pack may provide temporary pain relief but they will not promote healing or prevent further injury.

Question 15

A client is diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. Which of the following assessment findings would the nurse expect?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A client is diagnosed with carpal tunnel...

Question 16

A nurse is inspecting the area of contusion and notes numerous areas of bruising. The nurse would document this finding as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Ecchymosis refers to the discoloration of the skin caused by bleeding underneath, often due to blunt force trauma. This is a common finding in areas of contusion. A) Whiplash injury refers to neck strain caused by rapid back and forth movement of the head, and would not typically result in visible bruising. B) Callus refers to thickened skin as a result of pressure or friction, not related to contusion. D) Palsy refers to paralysis or muscle weakness, and is not related to discoloration of the skin.

Question 17

When reviewing the history of a female client with a ganglion cyst, which factor would the nurse identify as most likely contributing to the client's current condition?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When reviewing the history of a female...

Question 18

When caring for a client with a fracture, assessment of which of the following would be the priority?

Accepted Answer

Assessment of neurovascular compromise is a priority in clients with fractures as it can lead to permanent damage or loss of limb if not identified and managed promptly. Hormonal imbalances, cardiac problems, and altered kidney function are not typically immediate priorities in the care of a client with a fracture.

Question 19

The nurse is preparing to assess Phalen's sign. Which of the following would the nurse identify as indicative of a positive indicator for this sign?

Accepted Answer

Phalen's sign is positive when wrist flexion for 30 seconds causes pain and numbness. This is indicative of carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. A positive Phalen's sign can help confirm the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. A, C, and D are not indicative of a positive Phalen's sign.

Question 20

A client with a fracture asks the nurse when he can expect the limb to regain its former strength. The nurse bases the response on the understanding that approximately how much time needs to pass?

Accepted Answer

It typically takes about 1 year for a fractured limb to regain its former strength, as bone remodeling and strengthening continue long after the initial healing phase.

Quiz 62: Caring for Clients With Traumatic Musculos Keletal Injuries