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Musculoskeletal NCLEX practice questions
Five NCLEX-style questions on fractures, casts and traction, joint replacement, osteoporosis and arthritis. Pick your answer, then open it to see the right choice and why. New questions every week.
Question 1
There are several different types of pain.Which type of pain occurs after the loss of a body part from an amputation?
- A.Phantom pain.
- B.Nociceptive pain.
- C.Neuropathic pain.
- D.Pain.
Show answer and rationale ▾Answer and rationale ▴
Answer: A. Phantom pain.
Phantom pain is a type of pain that occurs after the loss of a body part, such as an amputation. It is often described as pain or discomfort in the missing limb. This pain is believed to result from the brain's attempt to adjust to the loss of sensory input from the missing body part. Nociceptive pain is not the correct choice in this context. Nociceptive pain is the result of damage or irritation to tissues and is not specific to the loss of a body part. It can occur in various situations, such as injuries or surgical procedures. Neuropathic pain is associated with nerve damage or dysfunction. While it can be present in cases of amputation, the specific type of pain occurring after the loss of a body part is termed "phantom pain.”. "Pain" is a vague and non-descriptive option. It doesn't specify any particular type of pain and doesn't provide a meaningful answer to the question.
Question 2
A patient experiencing discomfort because of severe arthritis would be described as having:
- A.Chronic pain.
- B.Episodic pain.
- C.Phantom pain.
- D.Acute pain.
Show answer and rationale ▾Answer and rationale ▴
Answer: A. Chronic pain.
rationale:Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for an extended period, typically more than 3-6 months, and is often associated with conditions like arthritis. Severe arthritis is a common cause of chronic pain, as it persists over a long duration. rationale:Episodic pain refers to pain that occurs intermittently, with pain-free intervals in between. This term is not appropriate for describing the continuous discomfort associated with severe arthritis. rationale:Phantom pain is the sensation of pain in a body part that has been amputated or lost, which is not relevant to a patient with severe arthritis. rationale:Acute pain is typically short-term and results from a specific injury or illness. It is not the appropriate term for describing the long-lasting pain associated with severe arthritis.
Question 3
A nurse is obtaining a health history from a client. The nurse should recognize which of the following data as placing the client at higher risk for osteoporosis?
- A.The client has a sedentary lifestyle.
- B.The client participates in 30 min of yoga 3 times per week.
- C.The client does not consume foods that contain vitamin A.
- D.The client consumes 1 to 2 alcoholic beverages per week.
Show answer and rationale ▾Answer and rationale ▴
Answer: A. The client has a sedentary lifestyle.
Sedentary lifestyle, lack of weight-bearing exercise, and decreased physical activity are risk factors for osteoporosis. Regular weight-bearing exercise such as yoga can actually help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin A deficiency is not directly linked to osteoporosis. Moderate alcohol consumption is not a significant risk factor for osteoporosis unless it leads to other lifestyle factors such as malnutrition or decreased physical activity.
Question 4
A home health nurse is assessing the home environment of an older adult client who has osteoporosis. For which of the following findings should the nurse intervene?
- A.The hot water heater is set to 47° C (117° F).
- B.Grab bars are installed in the shower.
- C.Prescriptions are stored in a medication organizer.
- D.There is an area rug covering a tile floor.
Show answer and rationale ▾Answer and rationale ▴
Answer: D. There is an area rug covering a tile floor.
Setting the hot water heater to a lower temperature reduces the risk of burns and scalds, which is appropriate for an older adult with osteoporosis. Lowering the water heater temperature to around 49°C (120°F) or less is recommended to prevent scalds. Installing grab bars in the shower enhances safety and prevents falls, which is important for an older adult with osteoporosis. Storing prescriptions in a medication organizer promotes medication adherence, which is beneficial for an older adult with osteoporosis. An area rug covering a tile floor increases the risk of slips, trips, and falls, which can lead to fractures in an older adult with osteoporosis. Removing the rug or securing it properly can help prevent accidents.
Question 5
A nurse is teaching a client who can only bear weight on one leg how to ambulate using crutches. Which of the following crutch gaits should the nurse plan to instruct the client to use?
- A.Three-point gait
- B.Two-point alternating gait
- C.Four-point alternating gait
- D.Swing-through gait
Show answer and rationale ▾Answer and rationale ▴
Answer: A. Three-point gait
The three-point gait is appropriate for a client who can bear weight on only one leg. The client advances both crutches and the affected leg simultaneously, followed by the uninvolved leg. The two-point alternating gait involves advancing the right crutch and the left leg together, followed by the left crutch and the right leg. This gait is typically used when both legs can bear weight. The four-point alternating gait involves advancing the right crutch, followed by the left leg, then the left crutch, and finally the right leg. This gait is also typically used when both legs can bear weight. The swing-through gait involves swinging both crutches and both legs forward at the same time. This gait is typically used for clients with bilateral lower extremity weakness or paralysis.
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