Musculoskeletal NCLEX Questions with Rationale

Extract:

Question 1 of 5

The elderly client is admitted to the hospital for severe back pain. Which data should the nurse assess first during the admission assessment?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Pain level assessment is the priority in severe back pain to guide treatment. Herbs, orientation, and self-care are secondary.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse is working with an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which action by the UAP warrants immediate intervention?

A. The UAP feeds a client two (2) days postoperative cervical laminectomy a regular diet. B. The UAP calls for help when turning to the side a client who is post-lumbar laminectomy. C. The UAP is helping the client who weighs 300 pounds and is diagnosed with back pain to the chair. D. The UAP places the call light within reach of the client who had a disk fusion.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A regular diet post-cervical laminectomy risks aspiration if swallowing is impaired; this requires immediate intervention. Calling for help, assisting a heavy client, and placing the call light are appropriate.

Question 3 of 5

Which explanation most accurately explains to the client the primary purpose of the splints?

A. Splints are used to slow joint deterioration. B. Splints are used to improve hand strength. C. Splints are used to increase range of motion. D. None of the above

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Splints in rheumatoid arthritis are used to rest joints, reducing inflammation and slowing joint deterioration during acute episodes. They do not primarily strengthen hands or increase motion.

Question 4 of 5

Which return demonstration indicates that the client has understood the correct way to ambulate with the walker?

A. The client advances the walker and operative leg while putting most of the weight on the walker's handgrips. B. The client advances the walker and operative leg while putting most of the weight on the back legs of the walker. C. The client advances the walker and operative leg while putting most of the weight on the toes of the operative leg. D. The client advances the walker and operative leg while putting most of the weight on the heel of the nonoperative leg.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In a three-point partial weight-bearing gait, the client advances the walker and operative leg together, placing most weight on the nonoperative leg's heel to minimize stress on the operative hip, ensuring stability and safety.

Question 5 of 5

Which statement indicates that the client understands the restrictions to be followed?

A. I should avoid pointing my toes. B. I shouldn't cross my legs. C. I shouldn't lie flat in bed. D. I shouldn't stand upright.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Avoiding crossing legs prevents adduction of the hip, which could lead to dislocation after total hip replacement. The other restrictions are less critical or inaccurate.

Musculoskeletal NCLEX Questions with Rationale | Nurselytic

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