Musculoskeletal Trauma

A client is postoperative day 3 after surgical repair of an open abdominal wound and traumatic amputation of the right lower leg following a motorcycle crash. What is the highest priority nursing intervention? A.) Assessing WBC count, temperature, and wound appearance B.) Obtaining dietary consultation for improved wound healing C.) Educating the client on safe bed-to-chair transfer procedures D.) Administering pain medications within 1 hour of the client's request

A.) Assessing WBC count, temperature, and wound appearance

When caring for a client with a fracture, what assessment would take priority? A.) Neurovascular compromise B.) Hormonal imbalances C.) Cardiac problems D.) Altered kidney function

A.) Neurovascular compromise

A client diagnosed with a right ulnar fracture asks why the cast needs to go all the way up in the arm. What is the best response by the nurse? A.) "This allows for the strength in the arm to remain constant" B.) "The joint above the fracture and below the fracture must be mobilized C.) "When a spica cast is ordered, the arm must be immobilized" D.) "The method allows for the fastest healing time and the greatest mobility

B.) "The joint above the fracture and below the fracture must be mobilized

A client is reporting pain in her casted leg. The nurse has administered analgesics and elevated the limb. Thirty minutes after administering the analgesics, the client states the pain is unrelieved. The nurse should identify the warning signs of what complication? A.) Subcutaneous emphysema B.) Skin breakdown C.) Compartment syndrome D.) Disuse syndrome

C.) Compartment syndrome

A patient sustained an open fracture of the femur 24 hours ago. While assessing the patient, the nurse observes the patient is having difficulty breathing, and oxygen saturation decreases to 88% from a previous 99%. What does the nurse understand is likely occurring with this patient? A.) Spontaneous pneumothorax B.) Deep vein thrombus C.) Pneumonia D.) Fat emboli

D.) Fat emboli (Reason: Early complications of fractures include hypovolemic shock, fat embolism, compartment syndrome, VTE and/or PE)

Avascular necrosis is prolongation of expected healing time for a fracture. True or False?

False (Reason: Avascular necrosis is death of tissue due to lack of oxygen to the tissue)

Phantom limb is perceived in the amputated limb. True or false?

True

A nurse is caring for a client with a cast on the left arm after sustaining a fracture. Which assessment findings is most significant for this client? A.) Fingers on the left hand are swollen and cool B.) Presence of a normal popliteal pulse C.) Cast edges, are rough, with skin irritation present D.) Minimal pain in the left arm

A.) Fingers on the left hand are swollen and cool

A nurse is planning the care of a client who will require a prolonged course of skeletal traction. When planning this client's care, the nurse should prioritize interventions related to what risk nursing diagnosis? A.) Risk for impaired skin integrity B.) Risk for falls C.) Risk for imbalanced fluid volume D.) Risk for aspiration

A.) Risk for impaired skin integrity

A client is to have an amputation. The client is acutely ill and diagnosed with gangrenous limb and related fever, disorientation, and electrolyte imbalances. Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to monitor in this client? A.) Signs of sepsis B.) SIgns of nausea and vomiting C.) Occurrence of allergic reactions D.) Reduced urine output

A.) Signs of sepsis