CH. 67 - MUSCULOSKELETAL TRAUMA AND

CH. 67 - MUSCULOSKELETAL TRAUMA AND

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY Latest Update 2024- 2025 Exam Questions and 100% Verified Correct Answers Guaranteed A+

A 60-yr-old patient had open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for an open, displaced tibial fracture, What should the nurse identify as the priority patient problem?

• Acute pain
• Risk for infection
• Activity intolerance

d. Risk for constipation - CORRECT ANSWER: b. Risk for infection

A 72-year-old man tells the nurse that he cannot perform most of the physical activities he could do 5 years ago because of overall joint aches and pains. What can the nurse do to help the patient prevent further deconditioning and decrease the risk for developing musculoskeletal problems?

• Limit weight-bearing exercise to prevent stress on fragile bones and possible hip

fractures.

• Tell the patient to avoid using canes and walkers because they increase dependence

on ambulation aids.

• Teach the patient to increase his activity by climbing stairs in buildings and other

environments with steps.

• Discuss the use of stretching and strengthening exercises to decrease aches and

pain so that exercise can be maintained. - CORRECT ANSWER: d. Discuss the use of stretching and strengthening exercises to decrease aches and pain so that exercise can be maintained.

A factory line worker has repetitive strain syndrome in the left elbow. What topic should the nurse plan to include in patient teaching?

• Surgical options
• Elbow injections
• Wearing a left wrist splint

d. Modifying arm movements - CORRECT ANSWER: d. Modifying arm movements

A high school teacher with ulnar drift caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is scheduled for arthroplasty of several joints in the left hand. Which patient statement to the nurse indicates a realistic expectation for the surgery?

• "This procedure will correct the deformities in my fingers."
• "I will not have to do as many hand exercises after the surgery." 1 / 3

• "I will be able to use my fingers with more flexibility to grasp things."
• "My fingers will appear more normal in size and shape after this surgery." -

CORRECT ANSWER: c. "I will be able to use my fingers with more flexibility to grasp things."

A patient arrived at the emergency department after tripping over a rug and falling at home. Which finding should the nurse identify as most important to communicate to the health care provider?

• There is bruising at the shoulder area.
• The patient reports arm and shoulder pain.
• The right arm appears shorter than the left.

d. There is decreased shoulder range of motion. - CORRECT ANSWER: c. The right

arm appears shorter than the left.

A patient had a right total hip arthroplasty with a cemented prosthesis for treatment of severe osteoarthritis of the hip. What activity should the nurse include on the patient's first postoperative day?

• Transfer from the bed to the chair twice a day only
• Only turning from the back to both sides every 2 hours
• Crutch walking with non-weight bearing on the operative leg
• Ambulation with a walker and limited weight bearing on the right leg - CORRECT

ANSWER: d. Ambulation with a walker and limited weight bearing on the right leg

A patient has possible right carpal tunnel syndrome. What symptom should the nurse expect with a positive Tinel's sign?

• Weakness in the right little finger
• Burning in the right elbow and forearm
• Tremor when gripping with the right hand
• Tingling in the right thumb and index finger - CORRECT ANSWER: d. Tingling in the

right thumb and index finger

A patient is admitted to the emergency department with a left femur fracture. Which assessment finding by the nurse is most important to report to the health care provider?

• Bruising of the left thigh
• Reports of severe thigh pain
• Slow capillary refill of the left foot
• Outward pointing toes on the left foot - CORRECT ANSWER: c. Slow capillary refill of

the left foot

A patient is admitted with an open fracture of the tibia after a bicycle accident. What question should the nurse ask when assessing the patient?

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• Any previous injuries to the leg
• The status of tetanus immunization
• The use of antibiotics in the last month

d. Whether the injury was exposed to dirt or gravel - CORRECT ANSWER: b. The

status of tetanus immunization

A patient is being discharged 4 days after hip arthroplasty using the posterior approach.Which patient action requires intervention by the nurse?

• Using crutches with a swing-to gait
• Sitting upright on the edge of the bed
• Leaning over to pull on shoes and socks
• Bending over the sink while brushing teeth - CORRECT ANSWER: c. Leaning over to

pull on shoes and socks

A patient is brought to the emergency department (ED) with an injured lower left leg following a fall while rock climbing. The nurse identifies the presence of a fracture based on what cardinal sign of fracture?

• Muscle spasms
• Obvious deformity
• Edema and swelling

d. Pain and tenderness - CORRECT ANSWER: b. Obvious deformity

A patient is discharged from the outpatient clinic after application of a synthetic fiberglass long arm cast for a fractured ulna. Before discharge, what instruction should the nurse provide to the patient?

• Never get the cast wet.
• Move the shoulder and fingers frequently.
• Place tape petals around the edges of the cast when it is dry.
• Use a sling to support the arm at waist level for the first 48 hours. - CORRECT

ANSWER: b. Move the shoulder and fingers frequently.

A patient is to be discharged from the hospital 4 days after insertion of a femoral head prosthesis using a posterior approach. Which patient statement to the nurse indicates that additional teaching is needed?

• "I should not cross my legs while sitting."
• "I will use a toilet elevator on the toilet seat."
• "I will have someone else put on my shoes and socks."
• "I can sleep in any position that is comfortable for me." - CORRECT ANSWER: d. "I

can sleep in any position that is comfortable for me."

A patient reports pain in the foot of a leg that was recently amputated. What should the nurse recognize about this pain?

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