ATI LPN
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017)
Chapter 39 Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse on a patient has been experiencing significant pain in her knee and diagnostic imaging reveals an effusion in the synovial capsule. What intervention should the nurse anticipate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Arthrocentesis (joint aspiration) is carried out to obtain synovial fluid for examination or to relieve pain due to effusion. Arthrography is used to visualize joint structures, not to remove fluid. Arthroscopy is a diagnostic visualization, and knee replacement is not indicated for effusion.
Question 2 of 5
A clinic nurse is caring for a patient with a history of osteoporosis. Which of the following diagnostic tests best allows the care team to assess the patient's risk of fracture?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bone densitometry is used to detect bone density and can be used to assess the risk of fracture in osteoporosis. Arthrography is used to detect acute or chronic tears of joint capsule or supporting ligaments. Bone scans can be used to detect metastatic and primary bone tumors, osteomyelitis, certain fractures, and aseptic necrosis. Arthroscopy is used to visualize a joint.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is taking a health history on a new patient who has been experiencing unexplained paresthesia. What question should guide the nurse's assessment of the patient's altered sensations?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Questions that the nurse should ask regarding altered sensations include How does this feeling compare to sensation in the unaffected extremity? Asking questions about strength and color are not relevant and a family history is unlikely.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is performing an assessment of a patient's musculoskeletal system and is appraising the patient's bone integrity. What action should the nurse perform during this phase of assessment?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When assessing bone integrity, symmetric parts of the body, such as extremities, are compared. Analgesia should not be necessary and percussion is not a clinically useful assessment technique. Bone integrity is best assessed when the patient is not moving.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is taking a health history on a patient with musculoskeletal dysfunction. What is the primary focus of this phase of the nurse's assessment?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nursing assessment of the patient with musculoskeletal dysfunction includes an evaluation of the effects of the musculoskeletal disorder on the patient. This is a vital focus of the health history and supersedes the assessment of genetic risk factors and adherence to treatment, though these are both valid inclusions to the interview. Assessment of ROM occurs during the physical assessment, not the interview.