LPN Medical-Surgical Nursing: Musculoskeletal and Neurological

Question 1

A client with a fractured femur is placed in skeletal traction. The LPN's priority assessment is:

Accepted Answer

Neurovascular status of the affected extremity

Answer

Pain level and analgesic effectiveness

Answer

Weight hanging freely and ropes unobstructed

Answer

Pin sites for signs of infection

Question 2

A client had a left-sided stroke with resulting right-sided hemiplegia. When assisting with meals, the LPN should:

Accepted Answer

Place food on the left side of the tray within the client's visual field

Answer

Feed the client entirely to prevent aspiration

Answer

Position the client in a chair with head tilted to the right

Answer

Place food on the right side of the tray and encourage self-feeding

Question 3

A client with a cervical spine injury at C5-C6 is being bathed. Which finding requires the LPN to stop and immediately notify the charge nurse?

Accepted Answer

Sudden severe headache, sweating above the injury, and bradycardia

Answer

Muscle spasms in the upper extremities

Answer

Mild skin redness over the sacrum

Answer

Urinary incontinence

Question 4

A client with osteoporosis is taught about fall prevention. Which statement indicates correct understanding?

Accepted Answer

I will remove loose rugs and install grab bars in my bathroom

Answer

I should avoid weight-bearing exercise to protect my bones

Answer

Calcium supplements will reverse my bone loss completely

Answer

I should wear soft slippers when walking around my home

Question 5

A client with Parkinson's disease is at risk for which complication requiring the highest nursing vigilance?

Accepted Answer

Aspiration pneumonia from dysphagia and choking

Answer

Hypertension and stroke

Answer

Deep vein thrombosis from immobility

Answer

Pressure ulcers from incontinence

Question 6

A client returns from hip replacement surgery. The LPN should position the client to prevent hip dislocation by:

Accepted Answer

Using an abduction pillow between the legs and avoiding crossing the legs

Answer

Crossing the legs at the ankles when in bed

Answer

Keeping the operated leg adducted and internally rotated

Answer

Maintaining hip flexion greater than 90 degrees when sitting

Question 7

A client with multiple sclerosis (MS) is experiencing a relapse with worsening fatigue. The most important nursing intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Scheduling rest periods throughout the day and avoiding heat exposure

Answer

Encouraging the client to push through fatigue with regular exercise

Answer

Keeping room temperature warm to improve muscle function

Answer

Administering high-dose aspirin for pain relief

Question 8

A client with Alzheimer's disease becomes agitated and combative during bathing. The LPN's best approach is to:

Accepted Answer

Stop the activity, allow the client to calm down, and attempt bathing later

Answer

Restrain the client to complete the bath safely

Answer

Increase the frequency of baths to build familiarity

Answer

Administer PRN sedative before each bath

Question 9

A client with a herniated lumbar disc (L4-L5) reports severe left leg pain radiating to the foot. The LPN recognizes this as:

Accepted Answer

Sciatica from nerve root compression

Answer

Vascular claudication

Answer

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Answer

Restless legs syndrome

Question 10

A client after craniotomy for a brain tumor develops a blood pressure of 170/52 mmHg (widened pulse pressure), bradycardia of 48 bpm, and irregular respirations. The LPN recognizes this as:

Accepted Answer

Cushing's triad — a sign of increased intracranial pressure requiring immediate escalation

Answer

Hypertensive crisis requiring emergency antihypertensives

Answer

Septic shock from surgical infection

Answer

Expected postoperative changes