Chapter 32: Care of Patients with Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders

Chapter 32: Care of Patients with Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. A patient has come to the ambulatory care clinic with a sprain. The nurse correctly differentiates a grade 2 sprain from a grade 3 sprain with the assessment of which finding?

a.	Pain
b.	Swelling
c.	Bleeding into the joint
d.	Minor loss of function

 

 

ANS:  D

The minor loss of function is the differentiating factor. Pain, swelling, and bleeding into the joint are true of both grade 2 and grade 3 sprains. A grade 3 sprain has loss of function of the joint.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   735

OBJ:   1 (theory)       TOP:   Sprains: Grade 2

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Assessment

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

 

2. An older adult has fallen and sprained his ankle in a local park. Which action should the responder perform first?

a.	Elevate the foot.
b.	Apply ice.
c.	Administer aspirin.
d.	Assist the patient with ambulation.

 

 

ANS:  A

Elevation to reduce swelling is the most important initial intervention. Elevation may be done immediately. The responder will have to acquire the ice and pain medication, but should do so as quickly as possible. The responder should not attempt to ambulate the patient at this time.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                REF:   735

OBJ:   1 (theory)       TOP:   Sprain: First Aid

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort

 

3. When the clinic nurse starts to take the “air cast” off the grade 2 sprain, the patient asks why it is being removed since he still has pain. Which explanation is best?

a.	“Long-term immobilization can interfere with adequate circulation.”
b.	“Long-term immobilization may increase long-term edema.”
c.	“Long-term immobilization can cause permanent disability.”
d.	“This cast will be replaced with a heavier cast.”

 

 

ANS:  C

Air casts, braces, or supports are used only until a joint has been strengthened. If a joint is immobilized too long and muscles are not exercised, muscle atrophy—which begins in a matter of days—can cause permanent disability

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   735

OBJ:   1 (theory)       TOP:   Splinted Sprain: Complications

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential

 

4. Which statement indicates that the patient needs further instruction about application of ice to a sprain?

a.	“I know this ice will reduce the swelling.”
b.	“I will keep the ice on this knee for the rest of the day.”
c.	“I will use the ice as you have directed for 24 hours.”
d.	“I can elevate my leg and use ice to reduce swelling.”

 

 

ANS:  B

Ice should be applied for 20 minutes of each hour for the first 24 hours.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   735

OBJ:   1 (theory)       TOP:   Ice: Duration of Application

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Evaluation     MSC:  NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance