Assessment of the Musculoskeletal System
(Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care
College Test
, Assessment of the Musculoskeletal System (Concepts
for Interprofessional Collaborative Care College Test
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A client is having a myelography. What action by the nurse is most important?
a. Assess serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels.
b. Ensure that informed consent is on the chart.
c. Position the client flat after the procedure.
d. Reinforce the dressing if it becomes saturated.
ANS: B
This diagnostic procedure is invasive and requires informed consent. The AST does not need to be assessed
prior to the procedure. The client is positioned with the head of the bed elevated after the test to keep the
contrast material out of the brain. The dressing should not become saturated; if it does, the nurse calls the
provider.
2. A client is undergoing computed tomography (CT) of a joint. What action by the nurse is most important
before the test?
a. Administer sedation as prescribed.
b. Assess for seafood or iodine allergy.
c. Ensure that the client has no metal on the body.
d. Provide preprocedure pain medication.
ANS: B
Because CT uses iodine-based contrast materiNalU, tRhSe I Nn uGr Ts eB a. Cs sOe M
s s e s the client for allergies to iodine or seafood
(which often contains iodine). The other actions are not needed.
3. A client had an arthroscopy 1 hour ago on the left knee. The nurse finds the left lower leg to be pale and
cool, with 1+/4+ pedal pulses. What action by the nurse is best?
a. Assess the neurovascular status of the right leg.
b. Document the findings in the clients chart.
c. Elevate the left leg on at least two pillows.
d. Notify the provider of the findings immediately.
ANS: A
The nurse should compare findings of the two legs as these findings may be normal for the client. If a
difference is observed, the nurse notifies the provider. Documentation should occur after the nurse has all the
data. Elevating the left leg will not improve perfusion if there is a problem.
4. A hospitalized clients strength of the upper extremities is rated at 3. What does the nurse understand about
this clients ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs)?
a. The client is able to perform ADLs but not lift some items.
b. No difficulties are expected with ADLs.
c. The client is unable to perform ADLs alone.
(Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care
College Test
, Assessment of the Musculoskeletal System (Concepts
for Interprofessional Collaborative Care College Test
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A client is having a myelography. What action by the nurse is most important?
a. Assess serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels.
b. Ensure that informed consent is on the chart.
c. Position the client flat after the procedure.
d. Reinforce the dressing if it becomes saturated.
ANS: B
This diagnostic procedure is invasive and requires informed consent. The AST does not need to be assessed
prior to the procedure. The client is positioned with the head of the bed elevated after the test to keep the
contrast material out of the brain. The dressing should not become saturated; if it does, the nurse calls the
provider.
2. A client is undergoing computed tomography (CT) of a joint. What action by the nurse is most important
before the test?
a. Administer sedation as prescribed.
b. Assess for seafood or iodine allergy.
c. Ensure that the client has no metal on the body.
d. Provide preprocedure pain medication.
ANS: B
Because CT uses iodine-based contrast materiNalU, tRhSe I Nn uGr Ts eB a. Cs sOe M
s s e s the client for allergies to iodine or seafood
(which often contains iodine). The other actions are not needed.
3. A client had an arthroscopy 1 hour ago on the left knee. The nurse finds the left lower leg to be pale and
cool, with 1+/4+ pedal pulses. What action by the nurse is best?
a. Assess the neurovascular status of the right leg.
b. Document the findings in the clients chart.
c. Elevate the left leg on at least two pillows.
d. Notify the provider of the findings immediately.
ANS: A
The nurse should compare findings of the two legs as these findings may be normal for the client. If a
difference is observed, the nurse notifies the provider. Documentation should occur after the nurse has all the
data. Elevating the left leg will not improve perfusion if there is a problem.
4. A hospitalized clients strength of the upper extremities is rated at 3. What does the nurse understand about
this clients ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs)?
a. The client is able to perform ADLs but not lift some items.
b. No difficulties are expected with ADLs.
c. The client is unable to perform ADLs alone.
