Mixed Deck — All Orthopaedic Nurse Test Topics Flashcards

What is the purpose of using a abductor pillow following total hip arthroplasty?

Answer: Keep the hip in abduction to prevent dislocation

An abductor wedge pillow maintains the operative hip in abduction, preventing adduction and internal rotation that could dislocate the posterior hip prosthesis.

How should an Orthopaedic Nurse Test professional approach a novel situation not covered by standard procedures?

Answer: Apply foundational principles, assess risks, consult resources, and document the rationale for decisions

This is fundamental to Orthopaedic Nurse Test practice. Apply foundational principles, assess risks, consult resources, and document the rationale for decisions represents the professional standard for practical in the Orthopaedic Nurse Test certification framework.

A patient returning from spinal fusion surgery develops sudden weakness and loss of bladder control. What is the priority nursing action?

Answer: Notify the surgeon immediately

New-onset neurological deficits (weakness, bladder/bowel dysfunction) post-spinal surgery suggest epidural hematoma or cord compression — an emergency requiring immediate surgical notification.

Which outcome is the primary indicator that a patient is ready for discharge to home after total knee arthroplasty?

Answer: Ability to perform self-care and ambulate safely with assistive device

Discharge readiness after TKA is determined by the patient's ability to safely ambulate with an assistive device, manage pain, and perform basic activities of daily living.

Which functional outcome tool is most commonly used to assess patient outcomes following total knee arthroplasty in the US?

Answer: KOOS (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score)

The KOOS (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) is widely used to assess patient-reported outcomes including pain, function, and quality of life after TKA.

Which muscle relaxant is commonly used in orthopaedic settings for acute musculoskeletal spasm and carries a risk of anticholinergic side effects?

Answer: Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)

Cyclobenzaprine has a tricyclic structure and significant anticholinergic activity, causing dry mouth, urinary retention, and sedation, which nurses must monitor.

A kid with achondroplasia experiences numbness, sleep apnea, widespread weakness, urine and fecal incontinence, and rapid reflexes. Which of the following complications needs to be evaluated at the beginning for the child?

Answer: Cervicomedullary compression

Achondroplasia often leads to a narrowed foramen magnum, the opening at the base of the skull. This narrowing can cause compression of the cervicomedullary junction, where the brainstem meets the spinal cord. The described symptoms (numbness, sleep apnea, weakness, incontinence, rapid reflexes) are classic signs of neurological compression at this critical area, requiring urgent evaluation to prevent severe neurological damage.

What role does data analytics play in Orthopaedic Nurse Test practice?

Answer: It supports evidence-based decision making by identifying patterns and trends in relevant data

This is fundamental to Orthopaedic Nurse Test practice. It supports evidence-based decision making by identifying patterns and trends in relevant data represents the professional standard for technology in the Orthopaedic Nurse Test certification framework.

The 'unhappy triad' knee injury involves damage to which three structures?

Answer: ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus

The unhappy triad (O'Donoghue triad) involves simultaneous injury to the ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus, typically from a valgus force to the knee.

When teaching a patient non-weight-bearing (NWB) crutch walking, the nurse instructs the patient to bear weight through which body part?

Answer: Hands and arms only

Non-weight-bearing crutch walking requires all weight bearing through the hands and arms; the axillae must NOT bear weight as this causes axillary nerve damage.

Which standardized screening tool is recommended to assess fall risk in orthopaedic inpatients in the US?

Answer: Morse Fall Scale

The Morse Fall Scale is widely used in US hospitals to assess orthopaedic and surgical inpatients for fall risk based on fall history, gait, IV use, and other factors.

What is the recommended weight-bearing status for a patient who has undergone a cemented total hip replacement, per standard protocols?

Answer: Weight-bearing as tolerated immediately

Cemented total hip replacements allow immediate weight-bearing as tolerated because the bone cement provides immediate fixation without requiring bony ingrowth.

How can a nurse tell if a cervical collar is tight enough when it is being fitted?

Answer: Ask the patient to flex the chin forward

A properly fitted cervical collar is designed to restrict neck movement, especially flexion. If the patient can easily flex their chin forward into the collar, it indicates that the collar is too loose and not providing adequate immobilization. Asking the patient to attempt this movement helps the nurse assess the collar's effectiveness in limiting cervical spine motion and ensuring proper fit.

Which period of the bone healing process allows the patient to resume bearing weight?

Answer: Remodeling

Bone healing occurs in several stages, with remodeling being the final phase. During remodeling, the woven bone of the callus is gradually replaced by stronger lamellar bone, and the bone regains its original shape and strength. It is during this stage, once sufficient strength is achieved and confirmed by imaging, that the patient can safely resume bearing weight on the healed limb, often under medical guidance.

A patient is upset because they were not informed about a change in their surgery time. The nurse's best initial response is to:

Answer: Apologize for the lapse in communication, provide current accurate information, and address the patient's immediate concerns

Acknowledging the failure, apologizing, and correcting the information gap immediately restores trust and addresses the patient's immediate need.

Heterotopic ossification following total hip replacement is best detected by which diagnostic method?

Answer: Plain X-ray of the pelvis

Heterotopic ossification (abnormal bone formation in soft tissue around the hip) is detected on plain radiographs and graded using the Brooker classification.

Why is documentation important in Orthopaedic Nurse Test risk management?

Answer: It creates an audit trail, supports decision-making, and demonstrates due diligence

This is fundamental to Orthopaedic Nurse Test practice. It creates an audit trail, supports decision-making, and demonstrates due diligence represents the professional standard for risk management in the Orthopaedic Nurse Test certification framework.

How should an Orthopaedic Nurse Test professional respond to a compliance violation?

Answer: Report it promptly, investigate the root cause, and implement corrective actions

This is fundamental to Orthopaedic Nurse Test practice. Report it promptly, investigate the root cause, and implement corrective actions represents the professional standard for regulatory in the Orthopaedic Nurse Test certification framework.

Following arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, the nurse monitors the patient for which immediate postoperative complication most closely associated with the graft harvest site?

Answer: Donor site morbidity and pain

Donor site morbidity — pain, weakness, or numbness at the patellar tendon or hamstring harvest site — is the most immediate complication after autograft ACL reconstruction.

How should Orthopaedic Nurse Test professionals apply research findings to practice?

Answer: Critically evaluate applicability, adapt to context, and monitor outcomes

This is fundamental to Orthopaedic Nurse Test practice. Critically evaluate applicability, adapt to context, and monitor outcomes represents the professional standard for research in the Orthopaedic Nurse Test certification framework.