Orthopaedic Nurse Test Surgical Procedures & Perioperative Care Flashcards

Which nerve is most at risk during anterior approach total hip arthroplasty?

Answer: Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve

The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is most vulnerable during the anterior approach THA due to its proximity to the incision site, risking meralgia paresthetica.

The neurovascular assessment '5 Ps' for a casted extremity includes pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, and which fifth component?

Answer: Paralysis

The 5 Ps of neurovascular assessment are Pain, Pallor, Pulselessness, Paresthesia, and Paralysis, guiding early detection of vascular compromise or compartment syndrome.

A patient who had an ORIF (open reduction internal fixation) of the femur develops a fever on postoperative day 3. What is the most common cause at this stage?

Answer: Atelectasis

Fever on postoperative days 1–3 is most commonly caused by atelectasis due to shallow breathing; infection typically presents after day 5.

What type of traction uses skin tape or foam applied to the skin to exert pulling force on a limb?

Answer: Skin traction

Skin traction applies pulling force through adhesive tapes or foam boots attached to the skin and is suitable for short-term use with lower weight limits.

Which position is typically required for a patient undergoing posterior lumbar spine surgery?

Answer: Prone with abdomen free of pressure

Posterior lumbar spine surgery is performed with the patient prone on a frame that allows the abdomen to hang freely, reducing epidural venous pressure and blood loss.

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.