ATI LPN
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017)
Chapter 40 : Musculoskeletal Care Modalities Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is emptying an orthopedic surgery patient's closed suction drainage at the end of a shift. The nurse notes that the volume is within expected parameters but that the drainage has a foul odor. What is the nurse's best action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should promptly notify the surgeon of excessive or foul-smelling drainage. It would be inappropriate to advance the drain, irrigate the drain, or aspirate more drainage.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is planning the care of a patient who has undergone orthopedic surgery. What main goal should guide the nurse's choice of interventions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Improving function is the overarching goal after orthopedic surgery. Some patients may need to come to terms with limitations, but this is not true of every patient. Safe medication administration is imperative, but this is not a goal that guides other aspects of care. Similarly, adherence to treatment is important, but this is motivated by the need to improve functional status.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who has had a plaster arm cast applied. Immediately postapplication, the nurse should provide what teaching to the patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A cast requires approximately 24 to 72 hours to dry, and until dry, it does not have full strength. While drying, the cast should not be placed on a hard surface. The cast will exude heat while it dries and should not be wrapped.
Question 4 of 5
A patient broke his arm in a sports accident and required the application of a cast. Shortly following application, the patient complained of an inability to straighten his fingers and was subsequently diagnosed with Volkmann contracture. What pathophysiologic process caused this complication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Volkmann contracture occurs when arterial blood flow is restricted to the forearm and hand and results in contractures of the fingers and wrist. It does not result from nerve pressure, skin irritation, or spasms.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is admitted to the unit in traction for a fractured proximal femur and requires traction prior to surgery. What is the most appropriate type of traction to apply to a fractured proximal femur?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Buck's extension is used for fractures of the proximal femur. Russell's traction is used for lower leg fractures. Dunlop's traction is applied to the upper extremity for supracondylar fractures of the elbow and humerus. Cervical head halters are used to stabilize the neck.