Musculoskeletal Problems

The nurse is conducting health screening for osteoporosis. Which client is at greatest risk of developing this problem?

The nurse has given instructions to a client returning home after knee arthroscopy. Which statement by the client indicates that the instructions are understood?

The nurse witnessed a vehicle hit a pedestrian. The victim is dazed and tries to get up. A leg appears fractured. Which intervention should the nurse take?

Which cast care instructions should the nurse provide to a client who just had a plaster cast applied to the right forearm? Select all that apply.

1. Keep the cast clean and dry.
2. Allow the cast 24 to 72 hours to dry.
3. Keep the cast and extremity elevated.
4. Expect tingling and numbness in the extremity.
5. Use a hair dryer set on a warm to hot setting to dry the cast.
6. Use a soft, padded object that will fit under the cast to scratch the skin under the cast.

The nurse is evaluating a client in skeletal traction. When evaluating the pin sites, the nurse would be most concerned with which finding?

The nurse is assessing the casted extremity of a client. Which sign is indicative of infection?

A client has sustained a closed fracture and has just had a cast applied to the affected arm. The client is complaining of intense pain. The nurse elevates the limb, applies an ice bag, and administers an analgesic, with little relief. Which problem may be causing this pain?

The nurse is admitting a client with multiple trauma injuries to the nursing unit. The client has a leg fracture and had a plaster cast applied. Which position would be best for the casted leg?

A client is being discharged to home after application of a plaster leg cast. Which statement indicates that the client understands proper care of the cast?

A client being measured for crutches asks the nurse why the crutches cannot rest up underneath the arm for extra support. The nurse responds knowing that which would most likely result from this improper crutch measurement?

The nurse has given the client instructions about crutch safety. Which statements indicate that the client understands the instructions? Select all that apply.

1. “I should not use someone else’s crutches.”
2. “I need to remove any scatter rugs at home.”
3. “I can use crutch tips even when they are wet.”
4. “I need to have spare crutches and tips available.”
5. “When I’m using the crutches, my arms need to be completely straight.”

The nurse is caring for a client being treated for fat embolus after multiple fractures. Which data would the nurse evaluate as the most favorable indication of resolution of the fat embolus?

The nurse has conducted teaching with a client in an arm cast about the signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome. The nurse determines that the client understands the information if the client states that he or she should report which early symptom of compartment syndrome?

A client with diabetes mellitus has had a right below-knee amputation. Given the client’s history of diabetes mellitus, which complication is the client at most risk for after surgery?

The nurse is caring for a client who had an above-knee amputation 2 days ago. The residual limb was wrapped with an elastic compression bandage, which has come off. Which immediate action should the nurse take?

A client is complaining of low back pain that radiates down the left posterior thigh. The nurse should ask the client if the pain is worsened or aggravated by which factor?

The nurse is caring for a client who has had spinal fusion, with insertion of hardware. The nurse would be most concerned with which assessment finding?

The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of gout. Which laboratory value would the nurse expect to note in the client?

A client with a hip fracture asks the nurse about Buck’s (extension) traction that is being applied before surgery and what is involved. The nurse should provide which information to the client?