AMSN Musculoskeletal and Orthopedic Conditions 3

Question 1

After a total knee replacement, which assessment finding requires the most immediate nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Sudden onset of calf pain, redness, and warmth

Answer

Sudden calf pain, redness, and warmth after knee replacement are classic signs of DVT, which requires immediate assessment and provider notification.

Question 2

A patient with a spinal compression fracture related to osteoporosis reports sudden severe back pain. The nurse's priority action is to:

Accepted Answer

Assess neurological function of the lower extremities

Answer

A spinal compression fracture can cause cord compression; assessing neurological function of the lower extremities detects potential motor or sensory deficits.

Question 3

A patient with a fractured hip is placed in Buck's traction pre-operatively. The PRIMARY purpose is to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce muscle spasm and pain while maintaining alignment

Answer

Buck's traction is applied pre-operatively to reduce painful muscle spasms and maintain alignment of the fractured hip until surgical repair.

Question 4

The nurse is caring for a patient with Paget's disease of bone. Which laboratory finding is expected?

Accepted Answer

Markedly elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

Answer

Markedly elevated alkaline phosphatase reflects the high rate of abnormal bone remodeling (osteoblastic activity) characteristic of Paget's disease.

Question 5

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient using crutches after a lower extremity fracture. Which instruction is correct for three-point non-weight-bearing gait?

Accepted Answer

Move both crutches and the affected leg forward together, then swing the unaffected leg through

Answer

In three-point gait, both crutches and the injured extremity advance together, followed by the unaffected leg, keeping all weight off the injured limb.

AMSN - Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses Practice Test

AMSN - Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses Practice Test

AMSN Musculoskeletal and Orthopedic Conditions 3