Orthopaedic Nurse Test Surgical Procedures & Perioperative Care Flashcards

Which surgical technique for total knee arthroplasty involves cutting the femoral component to restore the natural rotation of the joint?

Answer: Measured resection technique

The measured resection technique uses anatomical landmarks to guide bone cuts in TKA, aiming to recreate the patient's natural joint line and rotation.

When preparing a surgical site for orthopaedic surgery, what is the recommended skin antiseptic agent per current evidence-based guidelines?

Answer: Chlorhexidine-alcohol solution

Chlorhexidine-alcohol is the preferred preoperative skin antiseptic per CDC surgical site infection prevention guidelines due to its superior persistent antimicrobial activity.

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.

A tourniquet is applied during extremity surgery primarily to achieve which goal?

Answer: Provide a bloodless surgical field

Pneumatic tourniquets are applied proximal to the surgical site to occlude arterial flow and create a bloodless field, improving surgical visualization.

Which complication is specifically associated with prolonged use of a tight plaster cast on a limb?

Answer: Compartment syndrome

A cast that is too tight can impede circulation and increase compartmental pressure, leading to acute compartment syndrome if not recognized and treated promptly.

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) following long bone fracture most commonly presents with which classic triad?

Answer: Hypoxia, neurological changes, and petechial rash

The classic fat embolism syndrome triad includes hypoxemia, neurological dysfunction (confusion), and petechial rash on the chest, axillae, and conjunctivae.