Med-Surg Week 8 PP

A nurse is assessing the primary functions of the musculoskeletal system. Which function should the nurse include? (Select the best answer.)

Protection of vital organs

Which assessment finding would the nurse expect in an older adult due to normal age-related musculoskeletal changes?

Stiff, painful joints

The nurse is obtaining a musculoskeletal health history. Which question best evaluates functional ability?

"Can you prepare your own meals and dress yourself?"

Which diagnostic test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis?

Bone densitometry (DEXA)

Before a bone scan, which nursing intervention is appropriate?

Have the patient empty the bladder

After a bone scan, which instruction should the nurse provide?

Increase fluid intake

The nurse is preparing a patient for an arthroscopy. Which postoperative intervention is appropriate?

Apply ice and elevate the joint

Following arthroscopy, which finding requires immediate notification of the provider?

Numbness and absent pulses

Following arthrocentesis, which nursing intervention is appropriate?

Apply ice

Which laboratory value is commonly elevated in Paget disease?

Alkaline phosphatase

A nurse is teaching a patient with osteoporosis. Which medication helps inhibit bone resorption?

Alendronate

Which patient has the highest risk for osteoporosis?

70-year-old sedentary woman

Which nursing intervention is the priority for a patient with osteoporosis?

Implement fall precautions

A patient asks why calcium and vitamin D are prescribed together. What is the nurse's best response?

Vitamin D increases calcium absorption.

Which medication is commonly prescribed to relieve osteoarthritis pain?

Ibuprofen

Which intervention should the nurse recommend for osteoarthritis pain?

Heat application

Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for a patient with severe osteoarthritis?

Acute or Chronic Pain

A patient is scheduled for an MRI. Which statement indicates further teaching is needed?

"I'll cover my medication patch with gauze."

The nurse is assessing muscle strength. Which additional assessment should be included?

Gait and posture

A patient with osteoporosis asks how to reduce fracture risk at home. Which response by the nurse is best?

"Remove throw rugs and improve lighting."

A nurse is caring for a client who just had a fiberglass cast applied to the lower leg. Which nursing intervention is the priority during the first 24 hours?

Elevate the extremity above heart level

Which finding is the earliest indication of compartment syndrome?

Pain unrelieved by medication

The nurse assesses the "5 Ps" after cast application. Which are included? (Select the best answer.)

Pain, Pallor, Pulse, Paresthesia, Paralysis

A client with a new cast reports increasing numbness and tingling. What is the nurse's priority action?

Notify the provider immediately.

Which statement by the client indicates correct understanding of cast care?

"I'll keep my cast dry."

Which action should the nurse discourage in a patient wearing a cast?

Inserting objects into the cast to scratch itching

A patient reports a burning sensation ("hot spot") beneath the cast. What complication does the nurse suspect?

Pressure ulcer

Which intervention is expected if compartment syndrome develops?

Bivalve the cast or perform fasciotomy

Which patient statement demonstrates understanding of cast teaching?

"I'll report increased swelling or numbness."

A patient has an external fixator placed after an open tibial fracture. Which assessment is the priority?

Pin-site infection

Which pin-site finding is expected during the first 72 hours?

Serous drainage

Which solution is recommended for routine pin care?

Chlorhexidine

Which finding requires immediate provider notification in a patient with an external fixator?

Purulent drainage and redness

Buck’s traction is primarily used for:

Reducing muscle spasms and maintaining alignmen

Which statement about skeletal traction is correct?

It must remain continuous.

Which nursing action maintains effective traction?

Ensure ropes remain unobstructed.

The nurse knows traction is ineffective when:

The knots rest against the footboard.

Which complication is the patient in traction most at risk for?

Atelectasis

Which intervention helps prevent pneumonia in traction?

Incentive spirometry

Which intervention prevents constipation in traction?

Increase fluids and fiber

Which intervention helps prevent DVT in traction?

Foot exercises every hour

Which assessment finding suggests DVT?

Calf pain and swelling

A patient in skeletal traction is anxious. Which intervention is most appropriate?

Encourage family visits and diversional activities.

Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for a patient in traction?

Acute Pain

A nurse is caring for a patient with a long-leg cast. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

Severe pain despite opioid medication