When caring for a patient who has an abductor wedge in place following a total hip replacement, the nurse should assess for:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: An abductor wedge keeps the legs apart post-hip replacement to prevent dislocation by maintaining proper alignment. Assessing peripheral circulation is critical, as pressure from the wedge could compress blood vessels or nerves, leading to numbness, swelling, or impaired flow, which needs prompt correction. Muscle spasms might occur but aren't the primary concern with the wedge's positioning. Compression fractures relate to spinal issues, not hip surgery. Wedge size matters for comfort but is secondary to circulation, which directly impacts tissue health. Monitoring circulation ensures the device supports recovery without causing vascular compromise, a key risk in this context.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The prime mover, also called the agonist, is the muscle primarily responsible for generating a specific movement. For example, in knee extension, the quadriceps act as the prime mover. Deep refers to muscle location, not function. Antagonist opposes the prime mover, while synergists assist it, neither being the main force. The prime mover's role as the dominant muscle in producing movement is a core principle in kinesiology, making it the correct answer. This term encapsulates the muscle that drives the action, distinguishing it from supporting or opposing muscles, and its significance is evident in every coordinated motion, from lifting to walking.

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.