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ORTHOPEDIC NURSE CERTIFICATION EXAM
(ONC) LATEST VERSION 2026-2027 WITH
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALES JUST RELEASED
ONC EXAM COVERAGE
Joint disorders & arthroplasty
Fractures & trauma
Spine disorders & rehabilitation
Pediatric orthopedics
Complications, pharmacology, osteoporosis
Nursing interventions and patient education
Foundations of Orthopaedic Nursing
1. What is the most common complication following a hip
fracture repair?
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A. Pneumonia
B. Urinary tract infection
C. Deep vein thrombosis
D. Wound dehiscence
Answer: C — Deep vein thrombosis
Rationale: Immobilization increases risk of venous stasis
and DVT.
2. A patient with a femur fracture complains of numbness
and pain in the calf. This is most concerning for:
A. Muscle strain
B. Compartment syndrome
C. Impingement syndrome
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D. Sprain
Answer: B — Compartment syndrome
Rationale: Pain out of proportion and neurovascular
changes suggest compartment syndrome.
3. Which diagnostic test best assesses bone density?
A. CT scan
B. MRI
C. DEXA scan
D. Ultrasound
Answer: C — DEXA scan
Rationale: DEXA measures bone mineral density for
osteoporosis.
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4. A patient on skeletal traction must be monitored for:
A. Hypotension
B. Infection at pin sites
C. Hyperactivity
D. Dehydration
Answer: B — Infection at pin sites
Rationale: Pin site care prevents osteomyelitis.
5. The normal range for intracompartmental pressure is:
A. 0–10 mm Hg
B. 20–30 mm Hg
C. 40–50 mm Hg
D. 60–70 mm Hg
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SUCCESS!
ORTHOPEDIC NURSE CERTIFICATION EXAM
(ONC) LATEST VERSION 2026-2027 WITH
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALES JUST RELEASED
ONC EXAM COVERAGE
Joint disorders & arthroplasty
Fractures & trauma
Spine disorders & rehabilitation
Pediatric orthopedics
Complications, pharmacology, osteoporosis
Nursing interventions and patient education
Foundations of Orthopaedic Nursing
1. What is the most common complication following a hip
fracture repair?
1
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,Page 2 of 135
A. Pneumonia
B. Urinary tract infection
C. Deep vein thrombosis
D. Wound dehiscence
Answer: C — Deep vein thrombosis
Rationale: Immobilization increases risk of venous stasis
and DVT.
2. A patient with a femur fracture complains of numbness
and pain in the calf. This is most concerning for:
A. Muscle strain
B. Compartment syndrome
C. Impingement syndrome
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,Page 3 of 135
D. Sprain
Answer: B — Compartment syndrome
Rationale: Pain out of proportion and neurovascular
changes suggest compartment syndrome.
3. Which diagnostic test best assesses bone density?
A. CT scan
B. MRI
C. DEXA scan
D. Ultrasound
Answer: C — DEXA scan
Rationale: DEXA measures bone mineral density for
osteoporosis.
3
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, Page 4 of 135
4. A patient on skeletal traction must be monitored for:
A. Hypotension
B. Infection at pin sites
C. Hyperactivity
D. Dehydration
Answer: B — Infection at pin sites
Rationale: Pin site care prevents osteomyelitis.
5. The normal range for intracompartmental pressure is:
A. 0–10 mm Hg
B. 20–30 mm Hg
C. 40–50 mm Hg
D. 60–70 mm Hg
4
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