Orthopaedic Nurse Test Case Studies & Practical Application 5

Question 1

A 70-year-old patient with a hip replacement develops unilateral leg swelling, warmth, and calf tenderness on post-op day 3. Doppler ultrasound confirms DVT. Which intervention is the priority?

Accepted Answer

Initiate anticoagulation therapy as ordered and avoid vigorous massage of the affected limb

Answer

Anticoagulation is the definitive treatment for DVT; massaging the leg is contraindicated due to risk of embolization.

Question 2

A patient with a pelvic fracture is noted to have gross hematuria and a distended abdomen. Blood pressure is 88/54 mmHg. What is the nurse's priority action?

Accepted Answer

Activate the trauma response, initiate large-bore IV access, and prepare for fluid resuscitation

Answer

Hemodynamic instability with internal bleeding signs requires immediate trauma team activation and resuscitation before other interventions.

Question 3

An elderly patient with osteoporosis is prescribed bisphosphonate therapy after a wrist fracture. She states she takes the pill with orange juice right after breakfast. What teaching point does the nurse prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Bisphosphonates must be taken with a full glass of plain water on an empty stomach, and the patient must remain upright for 30 minutes after

Answer

Bisphosphonates require plain water, fasting, and remaining upright to ensure absorption and prevent esophageal erosion.

Question 4

A patient with a tibial plateau fracture managed non-operatively is in a long leg cast. The nurse notes an area of the cast that feels warm and has a foul odor. What is the most likely cause and priority action?

Accepted Answer

Suspect wound infection or pressure injury underneath; notify the provider for cast windowing or removal

Answer

Localized warmth and foul odor under a cast suggest skin breakdown or infection requiring provider evaluation and possible cast removal.

Question 5

A nurse is discharging a patient who had an ORIF for a distal radius fracture. The patient asks when he can return to his manual labor job. Which response is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Return-to-work timing depends on healing confirmed by imaging and the surgeon's assessment, typically 8–12 weeks for heavy labor

Answer

Return to manual labor after ORIF depends on radiographic healing and surgeon clearance, typically 8–12 weeks, not symptom resolution alone.

Orthopaedic Nurse Test Practice Test

Orthopaedic Nurse Test Practice Test

Orthopaedic Nurse Test Case Studies & Practical Application 5