ATI Tutorial: Musculoskeletal

A nurse is caring for a client whose postoperative orders include administering ketorolac (Toradol), which the nurse has never heard of. The medication reference book cannot be found on the nursing unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

call the pharmacist and ask for a package insert

A client sustains an open fracture to the left femur. An intramedullary pin is inserted, and the client is placed in skeletal traction. The nurse finds the client has slipped toward the foot of the bed and the traction weight is resting on the floor. The first action the nurse should take is to

check the temperature of the toes in the left foot

A nurse in a rehabilitation facility is caring for a client with multiple fractures of both the lower extremities following a motor vehicle crash. The nurse realizes that the factor which is most critical for the client's successful rehabilitation is the

client must be an active participant in the program

A client has been admitted to he orthopedic floor to hae a right total knee arthroplasty performed. Which of the following statements demonstrates to the nurse that the client understands the preoperative teaching? "I will

wear elastic stockings on both legs until I am discharged

A nurse is caring for a client who has a below the knee amputation for gangrene of the foot. The client knows that the foot has been amputated, but reports to the nurse sever pain in the toes of the injured foot. The nurse should recognize this as

an actual pain sensation

A client with an ankle sprain is being discharged from the emergency department. To promote tissue healing and relieve discomfort, the nurse should reinforce to the client to

apply cold compresses to the affected area

A nurse is caring for a client who has had a cast in place for 6 weeks due to a fracture of the ulna. When the cast comes off, the client is visibly upset to see that the fractured extremity appears much smaller than the unaffected arm. The nurse should explain that this is due to

atrophy

Following shoulder surgery, a client is instructed to keep the arm adducted at all times. The nurse explains to the client that this means he must keep the arm

close to the body

A client is discharged after having an open reduction and internal fixation of a fractured tibia with application of a plaster cast. The nurse is reinforcing teaching with the client about how to evaluate for early signs of decreased circulation related to postsurgical edema. The nurse determines that the teaching was understood when the client identifies a manifestation of decreased circulation as

coldness of the toes

A night shift nurse is assigned to care for a client who is 12 hr postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. The nurse finds the client's leg in a continuous passive motion machine, a drain attached to an evacuator unit is in place, and the client has a PCA device. The client reports to the nurse, "I am in so much pain." The nurse's first action at this time is to

finish collecting data from the client including the client's pain level

An assistive personnel at an extended care facility asks a nurse the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The nurse responds, "Osteoarthritis is

localized

During report, a nurse is told tat a client who was recently casted for a radial fracture is showing signs of compartment syndrome. Which of the following should the nurse expect to find?

numbness and tingling of the fingers distal to the cast

A client is on bed rest following a pelvic fracture when he suddenly becomes dyspneic and reports feeling short of breath. The nurse checks the client and finds that tachycardia, hypotension, and tachypnea are occurring. The client's oxygen saturation level is dropping rapidly. The nurse should identify that the client is exhibiting signs consistent with

pulmonary embolus

On a health history form, a client being admitted to an outpatient surgery center for a knee arthroscopy indicates taking celecoxib (Celebrex) daily. Based on the medication, the nurse should suspect that the client has a history of

rheumatoid arthritis

A nurse is caring for a client who sustained a traumatic injury to the le in a farming accident resulting in amputation. Following an above-the-knee amputation, which of the following is the highest priority in the client's immediate postoperative care?

risk for hemorrhage

A client is 3 days postoperative following a right total hip arthroplasty. The client cries out in pain when transferred to a chair. Which of the following nursing observations should lead to the suspension of a dislocated hip prosthesis?

shortening of the right hip

A nurse notes on a client's medication administration record that the client is to receive alendronate sodium (Fosamax). The nurse should know that for proper absorption of the medication the client must

sit up for 30 min after administration

A client involved in a motor vehicle crash sustained maxillofacial trauma from striking the windshield. The client receives intermaxillary fixation with interdental wiring. Postoperatively, the client vomits clear liquids. Which of the following actions is appropriate for the nurse to take?

suction the emesis from the client's mouth using a tonsil tip suction

A client with a radial fracture reports itching under the casted area. The appropriate nursing action to relieve itching is to

use a hair dryer on a cool setting to blow air into the cast