Musculoskeletal NCLEX Questions with Rationale

Extract:

Question 1 of 5

Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for preventing a pathological fracture?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Supporting the limb during movement minimizes stress on the necrotic bone, reducing the risk of a pathological fracture in osteomyelitis. Fluid, diet, and pressure relief are less directly preventive.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse is caring for the following clients. After receiving the shift report, which client should the nurse assess first?

A. The client with a total knee replacement who is complaining of a cold foot. B. The client diagnosed with osteoarthritis who is complaining of stiff joints. C. The client who needs to receive a scheduled intravenous antibiotic. D. The client diagnosed with back pain who is scheduled for a lumbar myelogram.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A cold foot post-knee replacement suggests vascular compromise, requiring urgent assessment to prevent tissue damage. Stiff joints, antibiotics, and myelogram prep are lower priority.

Question 3 of 5

The client newly diagnosed with osteoporosis is prescribed calcitonin by nasal spray. Which assessment data indicate to the nurse an adverse effect of the medication?

A. The client complains of nausea and vomiting. B. The client is drinking two (2) glasses of milk a day. C. The client has a runny nose and nasal itching. D. The client has had numerous episodes of nosebleeds.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Runny nose and nasal itching are common adverse effects of nasal calcitonin. Nausea is less common, milk intake is unrelated, and nosebleeds are not typical.

Question 4 of 5

Which interventions should be included in the discharge teaching for a client who had a total hip replacement? Select all that apply.

A. Discuss the client’s weight-bearing limits. B. Request the client demonstrate use of assistive devices. C. Explain the importance of increasing activity gradually. D. Instruct the client not to take medication prior to ambulating. E. Tell the client to ambulate with open-toed house shoes.

Correct Answer: A,B,C

Rationale: Weight-bearing limits, assistive device use, and gradual activity prevent complications post-THR. Pain medication aids ambulation, and open-toed shoes are unsafe.

Question 5 of 5

Which diagnostic test result should the nurse monitor when assessing for evidence of metastasis?

A. Lung scan B. Urinalysis C. Spinal tap D. Blood glucose

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A lung scan can detect metastasis of a skeletal tumor to the lungs, a common site for bone cancer spread. Urinalysis, spinal tap, and blood glucose are less relevant for metastasis.

Musculoskeletal NCLEX Questions with Rationale | Nurselytic

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