Orthopaedic Nurse Test Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Orthopaedic Nurse Test facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What role does peer review play in Orthopaedic Nurse Test practice? → It provides quality assurance and professional development through collegial evaluation
2. The maximum recommended daily dose of acetaminophen for an adult without liver disease is: → 4,000 mg/day
3. When obtaining informed consent for an orthopaedic research study, which element is essential? → Voluntary participation with the right to withdraw without penalty
4. Which non-pharmacological pain management strategy is considered first-line complementary care for acute post-operative orthopaedic pain? → Cryotherapy (ice application) to reduce swelling and pain
5. A 10-year-old girl has a 15-degree scoliosis. Which of the following therapies is best to start with? → Physical rehabilitation
6. A nurse assessing a post-operative spinal fusion patient notices the patient cannot dorsiflex their right foot. This finding MOST likely indicates: → Damage to the common peroneal nerve
7. The STOP-BANG tool is used preoperatively in orthopaedic patients to screen for which condition? → Obstructive sleep apnea
8. Which assessment is MOST important when a patient with a cervical spine injury is admitted? → Respiratory rate and pattern
9. According to The Joint Commission's standards, how frequently must a hospital-wide fall risk assessment be completed for orthopaedic inpatients? → Every 24 hours and after any fall or change in condition
10. How should Orthopaedic Nurse Test professionals prioritize identified risks? → Based on likelihood of occurrence combined with severity of potential impact
11. A nurse evaluates a clinical practice guideline for post-fracture osteoporosis management. The GRADE system is used to: → Rate the quality and strength of evidence behind recommendations
12. A nurse overhears a colleague making a negative comment about a patient's weight in front of other staff. The most appropriate response is to: → Address the colleague privately, explain the impact, and report if behavior continues
13. An 80-year-old patient with dementia is post-op day 1 after hip pinning. She is trying to climb out of bed repeatedly. What is the safest initial intervention? → Reorient the patient, ensure pain is managed, and use a bed exit alarm
14. Wolff's Law states that bone will adapt its structure in response to which factor? → Mechanical loads placed upon it
15. A traction device is connected to a patient post-femur fracture. The digital weight display reads inconsistently. What should the nurse do FIRST? → Check all connections, pulleys, and ensure weights hang freely
16. Which type of bone fracture in children occurs on one cortex only, with the other side bending but not breaking? → Greenstick fracture
17. Which surgical technique for total knee arthroplasty involves cutting the femoral component to restore the natural rotation of the joint? → Measured resection technique
18. The right foot is polydactyl when a baby is born, although there is no bone involvement. The best course of action at this time would be → tie off the extra digit with a silk suture or vascular clip
19. A nurse is caring for a patient in Buck's traction preoperatively for a hip fracture. Which finding requires immediate intervention? → Weights are resting on the bed frame rather than hanging freely
20. The neurovascular assessment '5 Ps' for a casted extremity includes pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, and which fifth component? → Paralysis
21. Which federal act protects orthopaedic nurses who report patient safety violations or participate in investigations from employer retaliation? → Occupational Safety and Health Act whistleblower protection provisions
22. A patient returns from total hip arthroplasty. Which position is MOST important to maintain to prevent dislocation with a posterior approach? → Hip abduction with neutral rotation
23. Which component is NOT part of the nursing process as defined in professional nursing standards? → Billing and coding
24. Why is evidence-based practice important in Orthopaedic Nurse Test? → It integrates best available evidence with professional expertise for optimal outcomes
25. Which type of fracture is characterized by the bone being crushed or compressed, commonly seen in vertebral injuries? → Compression fracture
26. An orthopaedic unit is conducting a quality improvement (QI) project on fall prevention. How does QI differ from research? → QI aims to improve local processes; research aims to generate generalizable knowledge
27. Which indicator is classified as a 'structure measure' in orthopaedic quality assurance? → Percentage of nurses certified in orthopaedic nursing (ONC)
28. A nurse wants to find the highest level of evidence for a clinical question about fracture pain management. Which study design should they prioritize? → Systematic review with meta-analysis
29. What is the consequence of non-compliance for Orthopaedic Nurse Test professionals? → Potential fines, license revocation, legal liability, and reputational damage
30. What is the recommended weight-bearing status for a patient who has undergone a cemented total hip replacement, per standard protocols? → Weight-bearing as tolerated immediately