Orthopaedic Nurse Test Rehabilitation & Patient Recovery Flashcards

Which range-of-motion exercise involves the patient performing movement independently without assistance from the nurse or a device?

Answer: Active ROM

Active ROM is performed by the patient using their own muscle strength without any external assistance, promoting strength and joint mobility.

What is the primary goal of continuous passive motion (CPM) machine use after total knee replacement?

Answer: Maintain and improve joint range of motion

CPM machines passively flex and extend the knee joint postoperatively to prevent stiffness, reduce scar tissue formation, and promote cartilage nutrition.

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 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.

A patient with a right total hip replacement (posterior approach) is being discharged. Which adaptive equipment is most important to prevent dislocation?

Answer: Raised toilet seat

A raised toilet seat keeps hip flexion under 90°, preventing posterior dislocation of a total hip prosthesis during the critical early recovery period.

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.