Orthopaedic Nurse Test Rehabilitation & Patient Recovery Flashcards

Which exercise is recommended during the early rehabilitation phase following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction?

Answer: Closed kinetic chain exercises such as mini-squats

Closed kinetic chain exercises (e.g., mini-squats, step-ups) are preferred in early ACL rehab as they promote co-contraction of stabilizing muscles with less graft stress.

A patient with a long leg cast reports increasing pain, tingling, and inability to dorsifllex the foot. What does the orthopaedic nurse do first?

Answer: Bivalve or remove the cast and notify the physician

Signs of compartment syndrome (worsening pain, paresthesia, motor weakness) in a casted limb require immediate cast splitting (bivalving) or removal and urgent physician notification.

When instructing a patient in stair climbing with crutches after a lower extremity injury, the nurse teaches which sequence for ascending stairs?

Answer: Unaffected leg first, then crutches and affected leg together

When ascending stairs with crutches, the unaffected (good) leg leads, followed by the crutches and affected leg — 'good goes up to heaven.'

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.

In managing a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who develops a painful flare during inpatient orthopaedic rehabilitation, the nurse's first action is to:

Answer: Assess the joints for signs of acute inflammation and withhold aggressive exercise

During an RA flare, active inflammation contraindicates aggressive exercise; joint rest, gentle ROM, and anti-inflammatory management are prioritized to prevent further damage.

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.