NCLEX-RN Musculoskeletal Disorders Exam | 50 Hard Questions
with Rationales | Fractures, Compartment Syndrome, Traction &
Orthopedic Nursing Care | HESI ATI Exit Exam Study Guide quiz
(NCLEX-RN Musculoskeletal Disorders Exam 8
Showing 40 questions (same pool and cap as a student attempt). Correct options are pre-
selected and highlighted as on the results page.
Bank category: NCLEX-RN Musculoskeletal Disorders Exam Prep| 50 Hard Questions with Rationales |
Fractures, Compartment Syndrome, Traction & Orthopedic Nursing Care | HESI ATI Exit Exam Study Guide
Question pool uses the same RN / PN selector as the tutor dashboard (Manage quizzes). Set it to mirror a
student's nursing track.
,1 Question 1
A client with a fracture asks why smoking slows healing. The best response is:
☑ A. “Smoking reduces blood flow and delays bone repair.”
☐ B. “Smoking strengthens bone tissue.”
☐ C. “Smoking improves oxygen delivery.”
☐ D. “Smoking prevents swelling completely.”
RATIONALE
Smoking decreases circulation and oxygen delivery, slowing bone healing and increasing the risk
of delayed union or nonunion.
KEY TERMS EXPLAINED
Bone healing = repair process after fracture
Circulation = blood flow to healing tissues
Delayed union = fracture healing slower than expected
Nonunion = failure of fracture healing
,2 Question 2
A client with a casted arm says the hand feels numb and swollen. What should the
nurse do first?
☑ A. Elevate the arm and assess neurovascular status
☐ B. Tell the client this is normal
☐ C. Remove the cast independently
☐ D. Give food first
RATIONALE
Numbness and swelling may indicate impaired circulation or nerve compression. Elevation and
immediate assessment are required.
KEY TERMS EXPLAINED
Neurovascular status = assessment of nerves and blood flow
Numbness = loss of sensation
Elevation = raising limb to reduce swelling
Compression = pressure reducing blood flow or nerve function
, 3 Question 3
A client with a fractured femur suddenly develops shortness of breath, petechiae
on the chest, and confusion. What should the nurse suspect first?
☑ A. Fat embolism syndrome
☐ B. Hypoglycemia
☐ C. Urinary tract infection
☐ D. Hyperthyroidism
RATIONALE
Fat embolism syndrome can occur after long bone fractures such as the femur. Fat globules
enter circulation and cause respiratory distress, petechiae, and neurologic changes like
confusion.
KEY TERMS EXPLAINED
Fat embolism syndrome = fat particles blocking blood vessels after fracture
Petechiae = small red or purple spots caused by bleeding
Long bone fracture = fracture of bones like femur or humerus
Respiratory distress = difficulty breathing
with Rationales | Fractures, Compartment Syndrome, Traction &
Orthopedic Nursing Care | HESI ATI Exit Exam Study Guide quiz
(NCLEX-RN Musculoskeletal Disorders Exam 8
Showing 40 questions (same pool and cap as a student attempt). Correct options are pre-
selected and highlighted as on the results page.
Bank category: NCLEX-RN Musculoskeletal Disorders Exam Prep| 50 Hard Questions with Rationales |
Fractures, Compartment Syndrome, Traction & Orthopedic Nursing Care | HESI ATI Exit Exam Study Guide
Question pool uses the same RN / PN selector as the tutor dashboard (Manage quizzes). Set it to mirror a
student's nursing track.
,1 Question 1
A client with a fracture asks why smoking slows healing. The best response is:
☑ A. “Smoking reduces blood flow and delays bone repair.”
☐ B. “Smoking strengthens bone tissue.”
☐ C. “Smoking improves oxygen delivery.”
☐ D. “Smoking prevents swelling completely.”
RATIONALE
Smoking decreases circulation and oxygen delivery, slowing bone healing and increasing the risk
of delayed union or nonunion.
KEY TERMS EXPLAINED
Bone healing = repair process after fracture
Circulation = blood flow to healing tissues
Delayed union = fracture healing slower than expected
Nonunion = failure of fracture healing
,2 Question 2
A client with a casted arm says the hand feels numb and swollen. What should the
nurse do first?
☑ A. Elevate the arm and assess neurovascular status
☐ B. Tell the client this is normal
☐ C. Remove the cast independently
☐ D. Give food first
RATIONALE
Numbness and swelling may indicate impaired circulation or nerve compression. Elevation and
immediate assessment are required.
KEY TERMS EXPLAINED
Neurovascular status = assessment of nerves and blood flow
Numbness = loss of sensation
Elevation = raising limb to reduce swelling
Compression = pressure reducing blood flow or nerve function
, 3 Question 3
A client with a fractured femur suddenly develops shortness of breath, petechiae
on the chest, and confusion. What should the nurse suspect first?
☑ A. Fat embolism syndrome
☐ B. Hypoglycemia
☐ C. Urinary tract infection
☐ D. Hyperthyroidism
RATIONALE
Fat embolism syndrome can occur after long bone fractures such as the femur. Fat globules
enter circulation and cause respiratory distress, petechiae, and neurologic changes like
confusion.
KEY TERMS EXPLAINED
Fat embolism syndrome = fat particles blocking blood vessels after fracture
Petechiae = small red or purple spots caused by bleeding
Long bone fracture = fracture of bones like femur or humerus
Respiratory distress = difficulty breathing
