FREE Orthopaedic Nurse Questions and Answers

Question 1

The patient's arm is in a sling and a long-arm posterior splint with the elbow in 90-degree flexion following a right total elbow arthroplasty. Which sleeping position is most likely to be cozy for the patient, who needs to keep their right arm raised?

Accepted Answer

Supine with the head partially elevated

Answer

Following a total elbow arthroplasty, keeping the affected arm elevated is crucial to reduce swelling and promote healing. Sleeping supine (on the back) with the head partially elevated allows for the arm to be comfortably supported and elevated, often with pillows, without putting direct pressure on the surgical site. Side-lying positions would likely put pressure on the splinted arm or make elevation difficult, increasing discomfort and potential complications.

Question 2

A 16-year-old kid was identified as having spinal muscular atrophy, type III, after experiencing weakness in his lower extremities and trouble walking. Which of the following complications should the nurse advise the parents to prepare for?

Accepted Answer

Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections

Answer

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type III, while generally less severe than types I and II, still involves muscle weakness, particularly in the limbs and trunk. This weakness can affect the respiratory muscles over time, leading to impaired cough reflex and reduced lung capacity. Consequently, individuals with SMA are at an increased risk for respiratory infections, making respiratory care and monitoring a critical aspect of their management.

Question 3

A distal femoral osteosarcoma patient will undergo limb-salvage surgery. How long will the patient need to go through physical therapy to learn to walk on the saved limb?

Accepted Answer

12 months

Answer

Limb-salvage surgery for osteosarcoma is a complex procedure involving significant bone and tissue reconstruction. The rehabilitation process is extensive, requiring patients to regain strength, range of motion, and learn to bear weight on the reconstructed limb. A full year of dedicated physical therapy is often necessary to achieve optimal functional recovery and independence in walking.

Question 4

Contraindications to ultrasound therapy include

Accepted Answer

a suspected fracture

Answer

Ultrasound therapy generates heat and mechanical vibrations that can potentially disrupt the healing process of a fracture or worsen an undiagnosed one. Applying ultrasound to a suspected fracture site could delay proper diagnosis, cause further injury, or interfere with bone alignment and healing. Therefore, it is a contraindication to prevent complications and ensure patient safety.

Question 5

Which kind of metastasis should be carefully watched for in a patient with osteosarcoma of the proximal end of the humerus?

Accepted Answer

Lung

Answer

Osteosarcoma is a highly aggressive bone cancer with a strong tendency to metastasize hematogenously (via the bloodstream). The lungs are the most common site for distant metastasis, occurring in a significant percentage of patients. Therefore, careful monitoring for lung metastases is crucial for staging, treatment planning, and determining the prognosis in individuals with osteosarcoma.

Orthopaedic Nurse Test Practice Test

Orthopaedic Nurse Test Practice Test

FREE Orthopaedic Nurse Questions and Answers