Nuclex questions (musculoskeletal)
The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of gout. Which laboratory value would the nurse expect to note in the client? 1.Calcium level of 9.0 mg/dL (2.25 mmol/L) 2. Uric acid level of 9.0 mg/dL (0.54 mmol/L) 3. Potassium level of 4.1 mEq/L (4.1 mmol/L) 4. Phosphorus level of 3.1 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L)
2. Uric acid level of 9.0 mg/dL (0.54 mmol/L) Rationale: In addition to the presence of clinical manifestations, gout is diagnosed by the presence of persistent hyperuricemia, with a uric acid level higher than 8 mg/dL (0.48 mmol/L); a normal value for a male ranges from 4.0 to 8.5 mg/dL (0.24 to 0.51 mmol/L) and for a female, from 2.7 to 7.3 mg/dL (0.16 to 0.43 mmol/L). Options 1, 3, and 4 indicate normal laboratory values. In addition, the presence of uric acid in an aspirated sample of synovial fluid confirms the diagnosis.
A client is complaining of low back pain that radiates down the left posterior thigh. The nurse should ask the client if the pain is worsened or aggravated by which factor? 1. bed rest 2. ibuprofen 3. bending or lifting 4. application of heat
3. bending or lifting Rationale: Low back pain that radiates into 1 leg (sciatica) is consistent with herniated lumbar disk. The nurse assesses the client to see whether the pain is aggravated by events that increase intraspinal pressure, such as bending, lifting, sneezing, and coughing, or by lifting the leg straight up while supine (straight leg-raising test). Bed rest, heat (or sometimes ice), and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usually relieve back pain.
A client with a hip fracture asks the nurse about Buck's (extension) traction that is being applied before surgery and what is involved. The nurse should provide which information to the client? Allows bony healing to begin before surgery and involves pins and screws 2. Provides rigid immobilization of the fracture site and involves pulleys and wheels 3. Lengthens the fractured leg to prevent severing of blood vessels and involves pins and screws 4. Provides comfort by reducing muscle spasms, provides fracture immobilization, and involves pulleys and wheels
4. Provides comfort by reducing muscle spasms, provides fracture immobilization, and involves pulleys and wheels Rationale: Buck's (extension) traction is a type of skin traction often applied after hip fracture before the fracture is reduced in surgery. Traction reduces muscle spasms and helps to immobilize the fracture. Traction does not allow for bony healing to begin or provide rigid immobilization. Traction does not lengthen the leg for the purpose of preventing blood vessel severance. This type of traction involves pulleys and wheels, not pins and screws.
A client with diabetes mellitus has had a right below-knee amputation. Given the client's history of diabetes mellitus, which complication is the client at most risk for after surgery? 1. hemorrhage 2. edema of the residual limb 3. slight redness of the incision 4. separation of the wound edges
4. separation of the wound edges. Rationale: Clients with diabetes mellitus are more prone to wound infection and delayed wound healing because of the disease. Postoperative hemorrhage and edema of the residual limb are complications in the immediate postoperative period that apply to any client with an amputation. Slight redness of the incision is considered normal, as long as the incision is dry and intact.
The nurse has completed giving discharge instructions to a client who has had a total joint replacement (TJR) of the knee with a metal prosthetic system. The nurse determines that the client understands the instructions if the client makes which statement? "Changes in the shape of the knee are expected." 2. "Fever, redness, and increased pain are expected." 3. "All caregivers should be told about the metal implant." 4. "Bleeding gums or black stools may occur, but this is normal."
3. "All caregivers should be told about the metal implant." Rationale: A TJR is also known as a total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The client must inform other caregivers of the presence of the metal implant because certain tests and procedures will need to be avoided. After total knee replacement, the client should report signs and symptoms of infection and any changes in the shape of the knee. These could indicate developing complications. With a metal implant, the client may be on anticoagulant therapy and should report adverse effects of this therapy, including bleeding from a variety of sources, and the client will need antibiotic prophylaxis for invasive procedures.
The nurse is caring for an older adult who has been placed in Buck's extension traction after a hip fracture. On assessment of the client, the nurse notes that the client is disoriented. What is the best nursing action based on this information? Apply restraints to the client. 2. Ask the family to stay with the client. 3. Place a clock and calendar in the client's room. 4. Ask the laboratory to perform electrolyte studies
3. Place a clock and calendar in the client's room. Rationale: An inactive older adult may become disoriented because of lack of sensory stimulation. The most appropriate nursing intervention would be to reorient the client frequently and to place objects such as a clock and a calendar in the client's room to maintain orientation. Restraints may cause further disorientation and should not be applied unless specifically prescribed; agency policies and procedures should be followed before the application of restraints. The family can assist with orientation of the client, but it is inappropriate to ask the family to stay with the client. It is not within the scope of nursing practice to prescribe laboratory studies.
The nurse is caring for a client who had an above-knee amputation 2 days ago. The residual limb was wrapped with an elastic compression bandage, which has come off. Which immediate action should the nurse take? 1. apply ice to the site. 2. call the health care provider 3. rewrap the residual limp with an elastic compression bandage. 4. apply a dry, sterile derision and elevate on 1 pillow.
3. rewrap the residual limp with an elastic compression bandage. Rationale: If the client with an amputation has a cast or elastic compression bandage that slips off, the nurse must wrap the residual limb immediately with another elastic compression bandage. Otherwise, excessive edema will form rapidly, which could cause a significant delay in rehabilitation. If the client had a cast that slipped off, the nurse would have to call the HCP so that a new one could be applied. Elevation on 1 pillow is not going to impede the development of edema greatly once compression is released. Ice would be of limited value in controlling edema from this cause. If the HCP were called, the prescription likely would be to reapply the compression dressing anyway.
The nurse is providing instructions to a client regarding ambulation after the application of a fiberglass cast to the lower leg. The nurse determines that the client understands the instructions if the client states that weight bearing on the casted leg can begin at which time period? In 48 hours 2. In 24 hours 3. In approximately 8 hours 4. Within 20 to 30 minutes of application
4. Within 20 to 30 minutes of application Rationale: A fiberglass cast is made of water-activated polyurethane material that is dry to the touch within minutes and reaches full rigid strength in about 20 minutes. Accordingly, the client can bear weight on the cast within 20 to 30 minutes. The remaining options are incorrect.
