1. A patient is prescribed colchicine for gout. What side effect
should the nurse monitor for?
A. Diarrhea
B. Drowsiness
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Dry mouth
Answer and Rationale:
A. Diarrhea
Rationale: Colchicine commonly causes gastrointestinal side
effects, including diarrhea, especially at higher doses.
2. What is the primary purpose of performing a neurovascular
assessment on a patient with a cast?
A. Assessing for proper joint alignment
B. Identifying signs of infection
C. Monitoring circulation and nerve function
D. Preventing pressure ulcers
Answer and Rationale:
C. Monitoring circulation and nerve function
,Rationale: Neurovascular checks ensure adequate blood flow and
nerve function in the affected limb.
3. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis reports morning stiffness
lasting over an hour. What does this symptom indicate?
A. Disease progression
B. Dehydration
C. Overexertion
D. Osteoarthritis
Answer and Rationale:
A. Disease progression
Rationale: Prolonged morning stiffness is a hallmark of active
rheumatoid arthritis and may indicate worsening inflammation.
4. Which complication should the nurse prioritize monitoring in a
post-op patient with a total knee arthroplasty?
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Hemorrhage
C. Pressure ulcer development
D. Joint stiffness
Answer and Rationale:
A. Pulmonary embolism
, Rationale: Immobility post-surgery increases the risk of deep vein
thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, which are life-
threatening complications.
5. Which intervention is a priority for a patient with compartment
syndrome?
A. Elevate the limb above the heart
B. Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
C. Remove constrictive dressings
D. Administer pain medications
Answer and Rationale:
C. Remove constrictive dressings
Rationale: Relieving pressure by loosening or removing
constrictive dressings is critical to prevent further tissue damage
in compartment syndrome.
6. Which diagnostic finding is most indicative of osteomyelitis?
A. Elevated white blood cell count and C-reactive protein
B. Low calcium levels
C. Increased creatinine
D. Decreased hemoglobin
Answer and Rationale:
A. Elevated white blood cell count and C-reactive protein
should the nurse monitor for?
A. Diarrhea
B. Drowsiness
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Dry mouth
Answer and Rationale:
A. Diarrhea
Rationale: Colchicine commonly causes gastrointestinal side
effects, including diarrhea, especially at higher doses.
2. What is the primary purpose of performing a neurovascular
assessment on a patient with a cast?
A. Assessing for proper joint alignment
B. Identifying signs of infection
C. Monitoring circulation and nerve function
D. Preventing pressure ulcers
Answer and Rationale:
C. Monitoring circulation and nerve function
,Rationale: Neurovascular checks ensure adequate blood flow and
nerve function in the affected limb.
3. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis reports morning stiffness
lasting over an hour. What does this symptom indicate?
A. Disease progression
B. Dehydration
C. Overexertion
D. Osteoarthritis
Answer and Rationale:
A. Disease progression
Rationale: Prolonged morning stiffness is a hallmark of active
rheumatoid arthritis and may indicate worsening inflammation.
4. Which complication should the nurse prioritize monitoring in a
post-op patient with a total knee arthroplasty?
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Hemorrhage
C. Pressure ulcer development
D. Joint stiffness
Answer and Rationale:
A. Pulmonary embolism
, Rationale: Immobility post-surgery increases the risk of deep vein
thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, which are life-
threatening complications.
5. Which intervention is a priority for a patient with compartment
syndrome?
A. Elevate the limb above the heart
B. Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
C. Remove constrictive dressings
D. Administer pain medications
Answer and Rationale:
C. Remove constrictive dressings
Rationale: Relieving pressure by loosening or removing
constrictive dressings is critical to prevent further tissue damage
in compartment syndrome.
6. Which diagnostic finding is most indicative of osteomyelitis?
A. Elevated white blood cell count and C-reactive protein
B. Low calcium levels
C. Increased creatinine
D. Decreased hemoglobin
Answer and Rationale:
A. Elevated white blood cell count and C-reactive protein
