A patient in Russell s traction with a Pearson attachment for a fracture of the tibia complains of intense pain at the fracture site. The nurse assesses a temperature of 102°F and increased swelling at the fracture site. These assessment findings suggest:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Intense pain, fever (102°F), and swelling at a fracture site in traction point to osteomyelitis, a bone infection possibly from pin sites or open injury, common in such setups. The acute inflammatory signs fit this diagnosis, requiring urgent antibiotics or surgery. Fat embolism causes respiratory distress and petechiae, not localized swelling and fever. Traction misalignment might cause pain but not systemic fever or such swelling. Nonunion is a chronic failure to heal, not an acute febrile state. Osteomyelitis matches the sudden, severe presentation, demanding immediate attention to prevent bone damage or sepsis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Circular fascicle arrangements, like those in the orbicularis oris or sphincters, are designed to control the opening or closing of orifices (e.g., mouth, anus) under voluntary or involuntary contraction. Their ring-like structure constricts or relaxes to regulate passage. Pennate fascicles (feather-like) maximize force, not orifice control. Triangular (e.g., pectoralis major) spread force broadly, not circularly. Parallel fascicles (e.g., sartorius) produce linear movement, not sphincter action. Circular arrangement is the correct answer, as it uniquely enables the constriction needed for orifice regulation, a critical function in muscles governing entry or exit points in the body.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Pronation (palm down) and supination (palm up) are unique to the upper limbs, enabled by the radius rotating over the ulna, a feature absent in the lower limbs due to fixed tibia-fibula alignment. Flexion/extension (e.g., knee bending) and adduction/abduction (e.g., leg spreading) occur in both upper and lower limbs. Lateral/medial rotation happens at the hip and shoulder, not distinguishing them. Pronation and supination are the correct answer, as they're exclusive to forearm anatomy, reflecting a key functional difference between upper and lower limb mobility critical for tasks like turning a doorknob.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The calcaneal (Achilles) tendon connects the gastrocnemius and soleus to the calcaneus. A slight tear from training is a muscle strain, an overstretching or tearing of muscle or tendon, treated with P.R.I.C.E. (protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation) and anti-inflammatories. A sprain involves ligaments, not tendons. Repetitive strain injuries result from overuse, not a single tear. Tendon strain isn't a standard term strains encompass tendon injuries. Muscle strain is the correct answer, as it fits the Achilles injury and treatment, common in runners.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Ligaments are tough, elastic bands connecting bone to bone, stabilizing joints like the knee's ACL linking femur to tibia. This limits excessive movement, maintaining skeletal integrity. Cartilage-to-bone connections occur via other tissues, not ligaments directly, as cartilage cushions, not links. Muscle-to-bone attachment is tendons' job, pulling bones for motion. Tendons-to-muscles isn't accurate tendons extend from muscle to bone, not connecting to other tendons. Ligaments' bone-to-bone role distinguishes them, passively restricting joint range while allowing flexibility, unlike tendons' active force transmission or cartilage's shock absorption. This structural specificity ensures joint stability across the body, vital for posture and movement, setting ligaments apart in the musculoskeletal framework.