MSNCB Musculoskeletal Care 5

Question 1

A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) develops new avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The most likely contributing factor is:

Accepted Answer

Long-term high-dose corticosteroid therapy

Answer

Long-term corticosteroid use is the most common cause of avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis) by impairing blood supply to bone.

Question 2

A patient with a cervical spine injury is placed in halo traction. Which nursing action is the priority?

Accepted Answer

Ensure a wrench is taped to the halo vest at all times for emergency vest removal

Answer

A wrench must be immediately accessible to remove the halo vest during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Question 3

A nurse is caring for a patient in Buck's traction. Which action is correct?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the rope moves freely in the pulley with weights hanging freely

Answer

Effective skin traction requires that weights hang freely without touching the floor and that the rope moves unobstructed through the pulley.

Question 4

A patient is diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. Which conservative treatment should the nurse reinforce first?

Accepted Answer

Wrist splinting in neutral position, especially at night

Answer

Wrist splinting in neutral position reduces median nerve compression and is first-line conservative management for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Question 5

When caring for a patient with a dislocated hip prosthesis, the nurse should position the affected limb:

Accepted Answer

In slight abduction and extension pending surgical reduction

Answer

A dislocated hip prosthesis is immobilized in slight abduction and extension to reduce further tissue injury until closed or open reduction.

(MSNCB) Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board Practice Test