ATI LPN
Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition
Chapter 51 : Care of Patients with Musculoskeletal Trauma Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse cares for a client who had a long-leg cast applied last week. The client states, 'I cannot seem to catch my breath and I feel a bit light-headed.' Which action should the nurse take next?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Shortness of breath and light-headedness in a client with a long-leg cast may indicate a pulmonary embolism, a serious complication possibly related to fat embolism syndrome from the fracture. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately is the priority to ensure rapid evaluation and treatment. Auscultation, oxygen administration, and checking oxygen saturation are secondary actions that may follow after the provider is notified.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse plans care for a client who is prescribed skeletal traction. Which intervention should the nurse include in this plan of care to decrease the client's risk for infection?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
To decrease the risk for infection in a client with skeletal traction or external fixation, the nurse should provide routine pin care and assess manifestations of infection at the pin sites every shift. The traction lines and sockets are external and do not come in contact with the client's skin, so these do not need to be washed. Releasing traction tension requires a prescription, and placing weights on the floor does not directly decrease infection risk.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse teaches a client with a fractured tibia about external fixation. Which advantages of external fixation should the nurse share with the client? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E
Rationale: External fixation is a system in which pins or wires are inserted through the skin and bone, connected to an external frame. It leads to minimal blood loss, allows early ambulation and exercise, maintains alignment, stabilizes the fracture site, and promotes healing. It does not increase blood supply to the tissues.
Question 4 of 5
An emergency nurse assesses a client who is admitted with a pelvic fracture. Which assessments should the nurse monitor? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,E
Rationale: A client with a pelvic fracture is at risk for complications such as internal bleeding, infection, and shock. Monitoring temperature can indicate infection, urinary output can reflect kidney function or hypovolemia, blood pressure and pulse rate can indicate hemodynamic stability, and level of consciousness can signal neurological changes or shock. These assessments are critical for client safety.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse cares for a client with a fracture injury. Twenty minutes after an opioid pain medication is administered, the client reports pain in the site of the fracture. Which actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: The client with a new fracture likely has edema; elevating the extremity and applying ice will help in decreasing pain and swelling. Administration of additional opioids within dosage guidelines may be ordered. Heat and dependent positioning will increase edema and potentially worsen pain.