Orthopaedic Nurse Test Professional Standards & Competencies 4

Question 1

An orthopaedic nurse is developing a care plan for a patient with a total hip arthroplasty. Involving the patient in setting realistic functional goals reflects which professional standard?

Accepted Answer

Standard 3: Outcomes Identification

Answer

Standard 3 (Outcomes Identification) requires identifying expected outcomes in partnership with the patient to ensure goals are individualized and achievable.

Question 2

Which best defines 'scope of practice' for an orthopaedic nurse?

Accepted Answer

The legally and professionally defined boundaries of nursing care the nurse is authorized to provide

Answer

Scope of practice is defined by state nurse practice acts, professional standards, and institutional policies, not by personal preference or physician direction.

Question 3

A nurse manager observes that a staff nurse consistently skips neurovascular checks on patients in extremity casts. The manager's best response is to:

Accepted Answer

Address the performance deficit through education, coaching, and a follow-up plan

Answer

Addressing competency gaps through education and structured follow-up supports patient safety while adhering to professional development standards.

Question 4

Which best describes the difference between a nursing diagnosis and a medical diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Nursing diagnoses identify human responses to health conditions; medical diagnoses identify disease processes

Answer

Nursing diagnoses (e.g., Impaired Physical Mobility) describe patient responses to illness, while medical diagnoses (e.g., femoral fracture) identify pathological conditions.

Question 5

A nurse identifies that a patient with a long leg cast is experiencing compartment syndrome. Advocating for immediate intervention reflects which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Non-maleficence—doing no harm—obligates the nurse to prevent avoidable injury by acting swiftly when compartment syndrome is suspected.

Orthopaedic Nurse Test Practice Test

Orthopaedic Nurse Test Practice Test

Orthopaedic Nurse Test Professional Standards & Competencies 4