Chapter 11: Musculoskeletal Problems

Question 1

The nurse is caring for a patient who had a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan and is now prescribed calcium with vitamin D twice a day. The patient asks the nurse the purpose of this drug. What is the nurse’s best response? Select all that apply.

1. “When your calcium and vitamin D levels are low, your risk for osteoporosis and osteomalacia increases.”
2. “When your vitamin D level is high, your bones release calcium to keep your blood calcium level in the normal range.”
3. “When your blood calcium is low, calcium is released from your bones increasing your risk for fractures.”
4. “When blood calcium is normal, long bones are formed increasing a person’s height.”
5. “The extra calcium and vitamin D will help protect your bones from damage such as fractures.”
6. “You can also get extra vitamin D by increasing your intake of beef and pork sources.”

Answer 1

Ans: 1, 3, 5
Vitamin D and its metabolites are produced in the body and transported in the blood to promote the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the small intestine. A decrease in the body’s vitamin D level can result in osteomalacia (softening of bone) in an adult. When serum calcium levels are lowered, parathyroid hormone (PTH, or parathormone) secretion increases and stimulates bone to promote osteoclastic activity and release calcium to the blood. PTH reduces the renal excretion of calcium and facilitates its absorption from the intestine. Sources of vitamin D include sunlight, fatty fish, and vitamin D–enriched foods. Focus: Prioritization.

Question 2

The nurse is preparing a discussion of musculoskeletal health maintenance for a group of older adults. Which key points would the nurse be sure to include? Select all that apply.

1. Be aware of and consume foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.
2. Wear hats and long sleeves to avoid sun exposure at all times.
3. Consider exercise with low impact to avoid risk for injury.
4. If you smoke, consider a smoking cessation program.
5. Excessive alcohol intake can interfere with vitamins and nutrients for bone growth.
6. Weight-bearing activities decrease the risk for osteoporosis.

Answer 2

Ans: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6
Many health problems of the musculoskeletal system can be prevented through health promotion strategies and avoidance of risky lifestyle behaviors. Weight-bearing activities such as walking can reduce risk factors for osteoporosis and maintain muscle strength. Young men are at the greatest risk for trauma related to motor vehicle crashes. Older adults are at the greatest risk for falls that result in fractures and soft tissue injury. High- impact sports, such as excessive jogging or running, can cause musculoskeletal injury to soft tissues and bone. Tobacco use slows the healing of musculoskeletal injuries. Excessive alcohol intake can decrease vitamins and nutrients the person needs for bone and muscle tissue growth. Focus: Prioritization.

Question 3

The nurse is caring for a patient with osteoporosis who is at increased risk for falls. Which intervention should the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

1. Identifying environmental factors that increase risk for falls
2. Monitoring gait, balance, and fatigue level with ambulation
3. Collaborating with the physical therapist to provide the patient with a walker
4. Assisting the patient with ambulation to the bathroom and in the halls

Answer 3

Ans: 4
Assisting with activities of daily living, including assisting with ambulation to the bathroom, is within the scope of the UAP’s practice. The other three interventions require additional educational preparation and are within the scope of practice of licensed nurses. Focus: Delegation, Supervision.

Question 4

The nurse is preparing to teach a patient with a new diagnosis of osteoporosis about strategies to prevent falls. Which teaching points should the nurse be sure to include? Select all that apply.

1. Wear a hip protector when ambulating.
2. Remove throw rugs and other obstacles at home.
3. Exercise to help build your strength.
4. Expect a few bumps and bruises when you go home.
5. Rest when you are tired.
6. Avoid consuming three or more alcoholic drinks per day.

Answer 4

Ans: 1, 2, 3, 5
The purpose of the teaching is to help the patient prevent falls. The hip protector can prevent hip fractures if the patient falls. Throw rugs and obstacles in the home increase the risk of falls. Patients who are tired are also more likely to fall. Exercise helps to strengthen muscles and improve coordination. Women should not consume more than one drink per day, and men should not consume more than two drinks per day. Focus: Prioritization.

Question 5

The nurse’s assessment reveals all of these data when a patient with Paget disease is admitted to the acute care unit. Which finding should the nurse notify the health care provider about first?

1. There is a bowing of both legs, and the knees are asymmetrical.
2. The base of the skull is invaginated (platybasia).
3. The patient is only 5 feet tall and weighs 120 lb.
4. The skull is soft, thick, and larger than normal.

Answer 5

Ans: 2
Platybasia (basilar skull invagination) causes brainstem manifestations that threaten life. Patients with Paget disease are usually short and often have bowing of the long bones that results in asymmetrical knees or elbow deformities. The skull is typically soft, thick, and enlarged. Focus: Prioritization.

Question 6

The charge nurse observes an LPN/LVN assigned to provide all of these interventions for a patient with Paget disease. Which action requires that the charge nurse intervene?

1. Administering 600 mg of ibuprofen to the patient
2. Encouraging the patient to perform exercises recommended by a physical therapist
3. Applying ice and gentle massage to the patient’s lower extremities
4. Reminding the patient to drink milk and eat cottage cheese

Answer 6

Ans: 3
Applying heat, not ice, is the appropriate measure to help reduce the patient’s pain. Ibuprofen is useful to manage mild to moderate pain. Exercise prescribed by a physical therapist would be nonimpact in nature and provide strengthening for the patient. A diet rich in calcium promotes bone health. Focus: Assignment, Supervision; Test Taking Tip: The charge nurse would be familiar with the usual care of a patient with Paget disease. Supervise the LPN/LVN so that he or she would stop the ice treatment and explain to the LPN/LVN that the use of heat is preferable to reduce the patient’s pain.

Question 7

The charge nurse is making assignments for the day shift. Which patient should be assigned to the nurse who was floated from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) for the day?

1. A 35-year-old patient with osteomyelitis who needs teaching before hyperbaric oxygen therapy
2. A 62-year-old patient with osteomalacia who is being discharged to a long- term care facility
3. A 68-year-old patient with osteoporosis given a new orthotic device whose knowledge of its use must be assessed
4. A 72-year-old patient with Paget disease who has just returned from surgery for total knee replacement

Answer 7

Ans: 4
The PACU nurse is very familiar with the assessment skills necessary to monitor a patient who just underwent surgery. For the other patients, nurses familiar with musculoskeletal system–related nursing care are needed to provide teaching and assessment and prepare a report to the long-term care facility. Focus: Assignment.

Question 8

The nurse delegates the measurement of vital signs to an experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Osteomyelitis has been diagnosed in a patient. Which vital sign value would the nurse instruct the UAP to report immediately for this patient?

1. Temperature of 101°F (38.3°C)
2. Blood pressure of 136/80 mm Hg
3. Heart rate of 96 beats/min
4. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths/min

Answer 8

Ans: 1
An elevated temperature indicates infection and inflammation. This patient needs IV antibiotic therapy. The other vital sign values are normal or high normal. Focus: Delegation, Supervision.

Question 9

The nurse is working with unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to provide care for six patients. At the beginning of the shift, the nurse carefully tells the UAP what patient interventions and tasks he or she is expected to perform. Which “Four Cs” guide the nurse’s communication with the UAP? Select all that apply.

1. Clear
2. Comprehensive 3. Concise
3. Credible
4. Correct
5. Complete

Answer 9

Ans: 1, 3, 5, 6
Clear, concise, correct, complete are the “Four Cs” of communication. Implementing the four Cs of communication helps the nurse ensure that the UAP understands what is being said; that the UAP does not confuse the nurse’s directions; that the directions comply with policies, procedures, job descriptions, and the law; and that the UAP has all the information necessary to complete the tasks assigned. Focus: Delegation, Supervision.

Question 10

The nurse is caring for a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) who has been admitted for surgery. Which intervention should be delegated to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

1. Initiating placement of a splint for immobilization during the day
2. Assessing the patient’s wrist and hand for discoloration and brittle nails
3. Assisting the patient with daily self-care measures such as bathing and eating
4. Testing the patient for painful tingling in the four digits of the hand

Answer 10

Ans: 3
Helping with activities of daily living (e.g. bathing, feeding) is within the scope of practice of UAPs. Placing a splint for the first time is appropriate to the scope of practice of physical therapists. Assessing and testing for paresthesia are not within the scope of practice of UAPs and is appropriate for professional nurses. Focus: Delegation, Supervision.

Question 11

The nurse observes the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) performing all of these interventions for a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Which action requires that the nurse intervene immediately?

1. Arranging the patient’s lunch tray and cutting his meat
2. Providing warm water and assisting the patient with his bath
3. Replacing the patient’s splint in hyperextension position
4. Reminding the patient not to lift very heavy objects

Answer 11

Ans: 3
When a patient with CTS has a splint to immobilize the wrist, the wrist is placed either in the neutral position or in slight extension, not hyperextension. The other interventions are correct and are within the scope of practice of a UAP. UAPs may remind patients about elements of their care plans such as avoiding heavy lifting. Focus: Delegation, Supervision.

Question 12

A patient is scheduled for endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery in the morning. What would the nurse be sure to teach the patient?

1. Pain and numbness are expected to be experienced for several days to weeks.
2. Immediately after surgery, the patient will no longer need assistance.
3. After surgery, the dressing will be large, and there will be lots of drainage.
4. The patient’s pain and paresthesia will no longer be present.

Answer 12

Ans: 1
Postoperative pain and numbness occur for a longer period of time with endoscopic carpal tunnel release than with an open procedure. Patients often need assistance postoperatively, even after they are discharged. The dressing from the endoscopic procedure is usually very small, and there should not be a lot of drainage. Focus: Prioritization.

Question 13

The charge nurse assigns the nursing care of a patient who has just returned from open carpal tunnel release surgery to an experienced LPN/LVN, who will perform under the supervision of an RN. Which instructions would the RN provide for the LPN/LVN? Select all that apply.

1. Check the patient’s vital signs every 15 minutes in the first hour.
2. Check the dressing for drainage and tightness.
3. Elevate the patient’s hand above the heart.
4. The patient will no longer need pain medication.
5. Check the neurovascular status of the fingers every hour.
6. Instruct the patient to perform range of motion on the affected wrist.

Answer 13

Ans: 1, 2, 3, 5
Postoperatively, patients undergoing open carpal tunnel release surgery experience pain and numbness, and their discomfort may last for weeks to months. Hand movements may be restricted for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. All of the other directions are appropriate for the postoperative care of this patient. It is important to monitor for drainage, tightness, and neurovascular changes. Raising the hand and wrist above the heart reduces the swelling from surgery, and this is often done for several days. Focus: Assignment, Supervision.

Question 14

The nurse is preparing a patient who had carpal tunnel release surgery for discharge. Which information is important to provide for this patient?

1. The surgical procedure is a cure for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
2. Do not lift any heavy objects.
3. Frequent doses of pain medication will no longer be necessary.
4. The health care provider should be notified immediately if there is any pain or discomfort.

Answer 14

Ans: 2
Hand movements, including heavy lifting, may be restricted for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Patients experience discomfort for weeks to months after surgery. The surgery is not always a cure; in some cases, CTS may recur months to years after surgery. Focus: Prioritization.

Question 15

The nurse is providing care for a patient with a rotator cuff tear. What treatment does the nurse expect the health care provider will prescribe first for this patient?

1. Arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff tear
2. Elimination of movements in the affected shoulder
3. Conservative therapies such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy
4. Pendulum exercises that start slow and progress over 2 weeks

Answer 15

Ans: 3
For the patient with a torn rotator cuff, the health care provider usually treats the patient conservatively with NSAIDs, intermittent steroid injections, physical therapy, and activity limitations while the tear heals. Physical therapy treatments may include ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ice, and heat. Focus: Prioritization.

Question 16

The emergency department nurse receives a call about a patient with a traumatic finger amputation. What instructions does the nurse provide to the patient’s wife? Select all that apply.

1. Wrap the completely severed finger in dry sterile gauze (if available) or a clean cloth.
2. Put the finger in a watertight, sealed plastic bag.
3. Place the bag directly on ice.
4. Elevate the affected extremity above the patient’s heart.
5. Examine the amputation site and apply direct pressure with layers of dry gauze.
6. After performing these steps, call 911 and check the patient for breathing.

Answer 16

Ans: 1, 2, 4, 5
For a person who has a traumatic amputation in the community, first call 911 and then assess the patient for airway or breathing problems. Examine the amputation site, and apply direct pressure with layers of dry gauze or cloth. Elevate the extremity above the patient’s heart to decrease the bleeding. Do not remove the dressing to prevent dislodging the clot. Wrap the completely severed finger in dry sterile gauze (if available) or a clean cloth. Put the finger in a watertight, sealed plastic bag. Place the bag in ice water, never directly on ice, with 1 part ice and 3 parts water. Avoid contact between the finger and the water to prevent tissue damage. Do not remove any semidetached parts of the digit. Be sure that the part goes with the patient to the hospital. Focus: Prioritization.

Question 17

When receiving discharge instructions, a patient with osteoporosis makes all of these statements. Which statement indicates to the nurse that the patient needs additional teaching?

1. “I take my ibuprofen every morning as soon as I get up.”
2. “My daughter removed all of the throw rugs in my home.”
3. “My husband helps me every afternoon with range-of-motion exercises.”
4. “I rest in my reclining chair every day for at least an hour.”

Answer 17

Ans: 1
Ibuprofen can cause abdominal discomfort or pain and ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract. In such cases, it should be taken with meals or milk. Removal of throw rugs helps prevent falls. Range-of-motion exercises and rest are important strategies for coping with osteoporosis. Focus: Prioritization.

Question 18

A patient has a fractured femur. Which finding would the nurse instruct the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to report immediately?

1. The patient reports pain.
2. The patient appears confused.
3. The patient’s blood pressure is 136/88 mm Hg.
4. The patient voided using the bedpan.

Answer 18

Ans: 2
Fat embolism syndrome is a serious complication that often results from fractures of long bones. Its earliest manifestation is altered mental status caused by a low arterial oxygen level. The nurse would want to know about and treat the pain, but it is not life threatening. The nurse would also want to know about the blood pressure and the patient’s voiding; however, this information is not urgent to report. Focus: Prioritization, Delegation, Supervision.

Question 19

After the nurse receives change-of-shift report, which patient should be assessed first?

1. A 42-year-old patient with carpal tunnel syndrome who reports pain
2. A 64-year-old patient with osteoporosis awaiting discharge
3. A 28-year-old patient with a fracture who reports that the cast is tight
4. A 56-year-old patient with a left leg amputation who reports phantom pain

Answer 19

Ans: 3
The patient with the tight cast is at risk for circulation impairment and peripheral nerve damage. Although all of the other patients’ concerns are important and the nurse will want to see them as soon as possible, none of their complaints is urgent, but the patient with the tight cast may have risk for injury to a limb. Focus: Prioritization.

Question 20

A patient with a fractured fibula is receiving skeletal traction and has skeletal pins in place. What would the nurse instruct the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to report immediately?

1. The patient wants to change position in bed.
2. There is a small amount of clear fluid at the pin sites.
3. The traction weights are resting on the floor.
4. The patient reports pain and muscle spasm.

Answer 20

Ans: 3
When the weights are resting on the floor, they are not exerting pulling force to provide reduction and alignment or to prevent muscle spasm. The weights should always hang freely. Attending to the weights may reduce the patient’s pain and spasm. With skeletal pins, a small amount of clear fluid drainage is expected. It is important to inspect the traction system after a patient changes position because position changes may alter the traction. Focus: Delegation, Supervision, Prioritization.

Question 21

The nurse is supervising a new graduate RN caring for a patient with a fracture of the right ankle who is at risk for complications of immobility. For which action should the supervising nurse intervene?

1. Encouraging the patient to go from a lying to a standing position
2. Administering pain medication before the patient begins exercises
3. Explaining to the patient and family the purpose of the exercise program
4. Reminding the patient about the correct use of crutches

Answer 21

Ans: 1
Moving directly from a lying to a standing position does not allow the patient to establish balance. The supervising nurse should instruct the new graduate RN about moving the patient from a lying position first, then to a sitting position, and finally to a standing position, which will allow the patient to establish balance before standing. Administering pain medication before the patient begins exercising decreases pain with exercise. Explanations about the purpose of the exercise program and proper use of crutches are appropriate interventions with this patient. Focus: Delegation, Supervision.

Question 22

The charge nurse is assigning the nursing care of a patient who had a left below-the-knee amputation 1 day ago to an experienced LPN/LVN, who will function under an RN’s supervision. What will the RN tell the LPN/LVN is the major focus for the patient’s care today?

1. To attain pain control over phantom pain
2. To monitor for signs of sufficient tissue perfusion
3. To assist the patient to ambulate as soon as possible
4. To elevate the residual limb when the patient is supine

Answer 22

Ans: 2
Monitoring for sufficient tissue perfusion is the priority at this time. Phantom pain is a concern but is more common in patients with above-the- knee amputations. Early ambulation is a goal, but at this time, the patient is more likely to be engaged in muscle-strengthening exercises. Elevating the residual limb on a pillow is controversial because it may promote knee flexion contracture. Focus: Delegation, Supervision.

Question 23

A patient with a right above-the-knee amputation asks the nurse why he has phantom limb pain. What is the nurse’s best response?

1. “Phantom limb pain is not explained or predicted by any one theory.”
2. “Phantom limb pain occurs because your body thinks your leg is still present.”
3. “Phantom limb pain will not interfere with your activities of daily living.”
4. “Phantom limb pain is not real pain but is remembered pain.”

Answer 23

Ans: 1
Three theories are being researched with regard to phantom limb pain. The peripheral nervous system theory holds that sensations remain as a result of the severing of peripheral nerves during the amputation. The central nervous system theory states that phantom limb pain results from a loss of inhibitory signals that were generated through afferent impulses from the amputated limb. The psychological theory helps predict and explain phantom limb pain because stress, anxiety, and depression often trigger or worsen a pain episode. Focus: Prioritization.

Question 24

During morning care, a patient with a below-the-knee amputation asks the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) about prostheses. How will the nurse instruct the UAP to respond?

1. “You should get a prosthesis so that you can walk again.”
2. “Wait and ask your doctor that question the next time he comes in.”
3. “It’s too soon to be worrying about getting a prosthesis.”
4. “I’ll ask the nurse to come in and discuss this with you.”

Answer 24

Ans: 4
The patient is indicating an interest in learning about prostheses. The experienced nurse can initiate discussion and begin educating the patient. Certainly, the health care provider can also discuss prostheses with the patient, but the patient’s wish to learn should receive a quick response. The nurse can then notify the health care provider about the patient’s request. Focus: Delegation, Supervision.

Question 25

During assessment of a patient with fractures of the medial ulna and radius, the nurse finds all of these data. Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the health care provider immediately?

1. The patient reports pressure and pain.
2. The cast is in place and is dry and intact.
3. The skin is pink and warm to the touch.
4. The patient can move all the fingers and the thumb.

Answer 25

Ans: 1
Pressure and pain may be caused by increased compartment pressure and can indicate the serious complication of acute compartment syndrome. This situation is urgent. If it is not treated, cyanosis, tingling, numbness, paresis, and severe pain can occur. The other findings are normal and should be documented in the patient’s chart. Focus: Prioritization.

Question 26

A patient who underwent a right above-the-knee amputation 4 days ago also has a diagnosis of depression. Which order would the nurse clarify with the health care provider?

1. Give fluoxetine 40 mg once a day.
2. Administer acetaminophen with codeine 1 or 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed.
3. Assist the patient to the bedside chair every shift.
4. Reinforce the dressing to the right residual limb as needed.

Answer 26

Ans: 1
Doses of fluoxetine, a drug used to treat depression, that are greater than 20 mg should be given in two divided doses, not once a day. The other three orders are appropriate for a patient who underwent amputation 4 days earlier. Focus: Prioritization.

Question 27

The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient with a hip replacement. Which patient care actions can be delegated to the experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? Select all that apply.

1. Inspect heels and other bony prominences every 8 hours.
2. Turn and reposition the patient every 2 hours.
3. Assure that the patient’s heels are elevated off the bed.
4. Assess the patient’s calf regions for redness and swelling.
5. Check vital signs and oxygen saturation via pulse oximetry.
6. Assess for pain and administer pain medication.

Answer 27

Ans: 2, 3, 5
The UAP’s scope of practice includes repositioning patients and checking vital signs, and an experienced UAP would know how to check pulse oximetry and elevate the patient’s heels off the bed. Assessing and inspecting patients is more appropriate to the educational level of the professional nurse. Focus: Delegation.

Question 28

The emergency department (ED) nurse should question which health care provider order when providing care for an older adult with a fracture of the left ulna?

1. Get x-rays of left forearm.
2. Give meperidine IM for pain.
3. Monitor vital signs every hour.
4. Elevate left arm on pillows.

Answer 28

Ans: 2
Meperidine should not be used because of its toxic metabolites that can cause seizures and other adverse drug events, especially in the older adult population. X-rays are used to confirm the diagnosis. Vital signs and elevation are common actions for a patient in the ED, and elevation can decrease the swelling in the affected extremity. Focus: Prioritization; Test Taking Tip: Questions often focus on actions or findings specific to older adults because there are many differences as adults age. Meperidine is seldom used for pain relief in any patient now because of its negative effects.

Question 29

The RN is mentoring a student nurse who is caring for a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand with neurovascular check ordered every 2 hours. For which action by the student nurse must the RN intervene?

1. Student nurse checks the patient’s radial pulse every 2 hours.
2. Student nurse checks for sensation in the patient’s right hand.
3. Student nurse assesses color, temperature, and pain in right wrist and hand.
4. Student nurse instructs the patient to avoid movement because of the pain.

Answer 29

Ans: 4
Performing complete neurovascular assessment (also called a “circ check”) includes palpation of pulses in the extremities below the level of injury and assessment of sensation, movement, color, temperature, and pain in the injured part. If pulses are not palpable, use of a Doppler helps find pulses in the extremities. After surgery, the patient should be given pain medication and encouraged to move the fingers frequently. Some hand movements such as lifting heavy objects may be restricted for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Focus: Prioritization.

Question 30

The nurse is preparing a patient for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Which action can the nurse delegate to the experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

1. Teach the patient what to expect during the test.
2. Instruct the patient to remove metal objects including zippers.
3. Witness that the patient has signed the consent form.
4. Check and record preprocedure vital signs.

Answer 30

Ans: 4
The UAP’s scope of practice includes checking and recording patient vital signs. Teaching and instructing, as well as witnessing consent forms, is appropriate to the professional RN’s scope of practice. The UAP could remind the patient about removal of metal objects after the patient receives instructions. Focus: Delegation.

Question 31

The nurse is teaching an older patient about risks for fractures and osteoporosis. Which diagnostic test should the nurse teach about when the goal is to establish the patient’s bone strength and determine if osteoporosis is present?

1. Computed tomography (CT) scan
2. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
3. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) scan 4. Joint x-rays

Answer 31

Ans: 3
Testing bone density (how strong the bones are) is the only way to know for sure if a patient has osteoporosis. A diagnostic test commonly prescribed by health care providers is DXA or DEXA. This type of scan focuses on two main areas, the hip and the spine. However, the forearm can be tested if the hip or spine cannot be tested. The other tests may be prescribed but are not as commonly used to test bone strength. Focus: Prioritization.