ATI LPN
Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition
Chapter 62 : Caring for Clients With Traumatic Musculoskeletal Injuries Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is assisting with an examination of a client suspected of having carpal tunnel syndrome. The physician has the client flex the wrist for 30 seconds and percusses the median nerve. The client complains of pain and numbness when this is done. What does the nurse know this positive sign is documented as?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Phalen sign involves having the client flex the wrist for 30 seconds to determine if pain or numbness occurs (a positive sign for carpal tunnel syndrome). The examiner percusses the median nerve, located on the inner aspect of the wrist, to elicit this response. Tinel sign is also a test that elicits pain and numbness in clients with carpal tunnel syndrome and occurs by lightly tapping the median nerve. Crepitus is a grating sound that is elicited when two bones rub together. Spasm is not indicative of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Question 2 of 5
A client has been prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. What should the nurse be sure to include when educating the client about taking this medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: If the client is taking NSAIDs, the nurse stresses to take these medications with food. The most common adverse effects of NSAIDs are related to the gastrointestinal tract. The medication should not be taken on an empty stomach and taking it that way does not cause more rapid absorption. The medication does not generally cause drowsiness, and the dosage should never be exceeded.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is demonstrating how to perform range-of-motion (ROM) exercises for a patient with tendinitis of the wrist. What intervention can the nurse encourage the client to use in order to decrease discomfort when performing the exercises?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Some clients find that hand exercises are less painful if performed with the hand under warm water. Hand weights should not be used when performing exercises unless prescribed by the physician and will not decrease discomfort. Pain medication such as an NSAID should be taken prior to exercising. The use of ice is not recommended after 48 hours postinjury and may make the exercises more uncomfortable.
Question 4 of 5
A client arrives at the orthopedic clinic and reports suspecting a stress fracture of the right foot. The physician orders an x-ray with negative results. What does the nurse understand that these negative results can mean?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A stress fracture may not be apparent radiographically for a few weeks. A bone scan usually can identify a nondisplaced or stress fracture earlier than an x-ray.
Question 5 of 5
An older adult client slipped on an area rug at home and fractured the left hip. The client is unable to have surgery immediately and is having severe pain. What interventions should the nurse employ to minimize energy loss in response to pain?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pain associated with hip fracture is severe and must be carefully managed with around-the-clock dosing of pain medication to minimize energy loss in response to pain. The client may not request the medication even if they are in pain, and it should be offered at the prescribed time. Giving pain medication prior to providing any type of care involved in moving the client is appropriate to reduce discomfort.