Question 1

The nurse notes a child sitting in reverse tailor position during a well-child examination. Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate based on this data?

Accepted Answer

A)   Notify the healthcare provider so that X-rays can be obtained.
B)   Explain to the parent that this can cause joint stress.
C)   Continue with the examination.
D)   Assess the child for back problems. B

Question 2

The nurse is performing the bulge test on a client's left knee. Which area will the nurse assess for bulging during this test?

Accepted Answer

A)   A.
B)   B.
C)   C.
D)   D. B

Question 3

The nurse is caring for an older adult client. Which does the nurse expect based on the client's age?

Accepted Answer

A)   Difficulty with dexterity.
B)   Increased bone production.
C)   Risk for fractures.
D)   Pain when ambulating. C

Question 4

The school nurse is assessing adolescent females for scoliosis. Which area of the spine does the nurse plan to assess?

Accepted Answer

A)   A.
B)   B.
C)   C.
D)   D.

Question 5

The nurse assesses a client and finds that a grating sound is present when a joint is bent and straightened. Which term will the nurse use when documenting this finding in the medical record?

Accepted Answer

A)   Subluxation.
B)   Grinding.
C)   Crepitation.
D)   Joint dislocation.

Question 6

The nurse is caring for an older adult client. Which does the nurse suspect based on the client's age?

Accepted Answer

A)   No bone changes are associated with aging.
B)   Increased osteoblastic activity.
C)   Decreased calcium absorption.
D)   Increase in bone density.

Question 7

The nurse is caring for a client with an injury to the arm. Which degree of wrist movement is appropriate when assessing extension?

Accepted Answer

A)   90 degrees.
B)   70 degrees.
C)   30 degrees.
D)   20 degrees.

Question 8

The nurse notes asymmetry of the iliac crests and gluteal folds while inspecting the spine of a client. The client's spine has a slight curvature to the right, but client denies complaints of pain. Based on this data, which term will the nurse use when documenting this finding in the medical record?

Accepted Answer

A)   Kyphosis.
B)   Scoliosis.
C)   Spinal list.
D)   Lordosis.

Question 9

The nurse is discharging a client with osteoarthritis. Which points will the nurse include in this client's discharge teaching?

Accepted Answer

A)   Obesity increases the risks of bone, muscle, and joint disorders.
B)   Musculoskeletal health is influenced by the diet.
C)   Exercise is important in the prevention of osteoarthritis.
D)   Smoking and alcohol contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.
E)   As the condition progresses the hands may develop contractures that resemble swan necks.

Question 10

The nurse is assessing a client with a suspected femur fracture. Which assessment finding supports this diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

A)   External rotation of the lower leg and foot.
B)   Internal rotation of the lower leg and foot.
C)   Limited hip internal rotation.
D)   Limited hip external rotation.

Question 11

The nurse is examining a client with a chief complaint of pain in the right great toe. The nurse notes hardened nodules on the lateral aspect of the toe, as well as redness and swelling. Based on this data, which condition does the nurse suspect?

Accepted Answer

A)   Bunion.
B)   Synovitis.
C)   Hammertoe.
D)   Gout.

Question 12

The nurse notes an exaggerated lumbar curve while inspecting the spine of a client. Which term will the nurse use when documenting this finding in the medical record?

Accepted Answer

A)   Lordosis.
B)   Scoliosis.
C)   Kyphosis.
D)   Flattened curve.

Question 13

The clinical nurse educator is teaching a group of nursing students about conducting a focused interview on a client being admitted to the facility with complaints of leg pain. Which statement by the student nurse indicates the need for further education?

Accepted Answer

A)   "The focused interview will be guided by the physical assessment that was completed by the healthcare provider prior to admission."
B)   "Subjective information is contained in the focused assessment."
C)   "The age, gender, and past medical history of the client are used to guide the questions in the focused assessment."
D)   "A focus interview on the musculoskeletal system is individualized for each client."

Question 14

A young adult client is seen in the clinic complaining of a lump on the left wrist, but states it is not painful. The nurse notes a round mass on the back of the wrist. Based on this data, which condition does the nurse suspect?

Accepted Answer

A)   Rheumatoid arthritis.
B)   Osteoarthritis.
C)   Ganglion.
D)   Carpal tunnel syndrome.

Question 15

A pregnant client at 38 weeks gestation is complaining of lower back pain. The nurse notes a slight lordosis and waddling gait in the client. Based on this data, which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

A)   Suggest the client begin bed rest.
B)   Notify the healthcare provider of the findings.
C)   Document the findings as normal.
D)   Ask the client if she has been lifting.

Question 16

The nurse is planning a program to promote Healthy People 2020 focus areas relating to osteoporosis. Which program would appropriately serve as primary prevention?

Accepted Answer

A)   The development of a program to address available medication therapies for the individual with osteoporosis.
B)   Community screening programs to identify individuals who have early onset osteoporosis.
C)   Community education programs to discuss methods that can be implemented to reduce the chance of developing osteoporosis.
D)   The development of community support programs for individuals who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.

Question 17

A client comes to the emergency department (ED) complaining of a painful injury to the right knee received while playing basketball. Which examination techniques will the nurse include during the physical assessment of this client?

Accepted Answer

A)   Inspection.
B)   Palpation.
C)   Bulge sign testing.
D)   Ballottement.
E)   Percussion.

Question 18

The nurse is assessing a client with suspected rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Which musculoskeletal changes would contribute to a positive diagnosis of RA?

Accepted Answer

A)   Ulnar deviation.
B)   Bouchard nodes.
C)   Heberden nodes.
D)   Swan-neck deformity.
E)   Symmetrical loss of function in extremities.

Question 19

The nurse is assessing the client's lateral flexion. Which commands by the nurse to the client will assess lateral flexion during the physical assessment?

Accepted Answer

A)   "Tilt your head back and look at the ceiling."
B)   "Lean your head to the side and attempt to touch your ear to your shoulder."
C)   "Bend sideways to the right and to the left while I stabilize your pelvis."
D)   "Attempt to raise your shoulders up toward your ears."
E)   "Attempt to rotate your head in a circular manner."

Question 20

The nurse is preparing to assess the posterior spine of a client. Which is the landmark the nurse will use to determine symmetry?

Accepted Answer