NCLEX-PN MUSCULOSKELETAL EXAM
(ACTUAL 2025) WITH QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS
The nurse is evaluating the client's use of a cane for left-sided
weakness. The nurse should intervene and correct the client if
the nurse observed that the client performed which action
1.
Holds the cane on the right side
2.
Moves the cane when the right leg is moved
3.
Leans on the cane when the right leg swings through
4.
Keeps the cane 6 inches out to the side of the right foot -
<<<Answers>>>2
(Rationale:
The cane is held on the stronger side to minimize stress on the
affected extremity and provide a wide base of support. The
cane is held 6 inches lateral to the fifth great toe. The cane is
,moved forward with the affected leg. The client leans on the
cane for added support, while the stronger side swings
through.)
The nurse is caring for a client with a fresh application of a
plaster leg cast. The nurse should plan to prevent the
development of compartment syndrome by which action?
1.
Elevating the limb and applying ice to the affected leg
2.
Elevating the limb and covering it with bath blankets
3.
Keeping the leg horizontal and applying ice to the affected leg
4.
Placing the leg in a slightly dependent position and applying
ice -<<<Answers>>>1
(Rationale:
Compartment syndrome is prevented by controlling edema.
This is achieved most optimally with elevation and
application of ice. Therefore, the other options are incorrect.)
,A client is being discharged after application of a plaster leg
cast. The nurse determines that the client understands proper
care of the cast if the client makes which statement?
1.
"I need to avoid getting the cast wet."
2.
"I will use my fingertips to lift and move the leg."
3.
"I need to cover the casted leg with warm blankets."
4.
"I can use a padded coat hanger end to scratch under the cast."
-<<<Answers>>>1
(Rationale:
A plaster cast must remain dry to keep its strength. The cast
should be handled using the palms of the hands, not the
fingertips, until fully dry. Air should circulate freely around
the cast to help it dry; the cast also gives off heat as it dries.
The client should never scratch under the cast; a cool hair
dryer may be used to eliminate itching.)
, A client has just had a cast removed and the underlying skin is
yellow-brown and crusted. The nurse determines that *further
instructions are needed* about skin care if the client makes
which statement?
1.
"I will soak the skin and then wash it gently."
2.
"I need to scrub the skin vigorously with soap and water."
3.
"I need to apply an emollient lotion to enhance softening."
4.
"I need to use a sunscreen on the skin if it will be directly
exposed to the sun." -<<<Answers>>>2
(Rationale:
The skin under a casted area may be discolored and crusted
with dead skin layers. The client should gently soak and wash
the skin for the first few days. The skin should be patted dry,
and a lubricating lotion should be applied. Clients often want
to scrub the dead skin away, which irritates the skin. The
client should avoid direct exposure of the skin to the sunlight.)
(ACTUAL 2025) WITH QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS
The nurse is evaluating the client's use of a cane for left-sided
weakness. The nurse should intervene and correct the client if
the nurse observed that the client performed which action
1.
Holds the cane on the right side
2.
Moves the cane when the right leg is moved
3.
Leans on the cane when the right leg swings through
4.
Keeps the cane 6 inches out to the side of the right foot -
<<<Answers>>>2
(Rationale:
The cane is held on the stronger side to minimize stress on the
affected extremity and provide a wide base of support. The
cane is held 6 inches lateral to the fifth great toe. The cane is
,moved forward with the affected leg. The client leans on the
cane for added support, while the stronger side swings
through.)
The nurse is caring for a client with a fresh application of a
plaster leg cast. The nurse should plan to prevent the
development of compartment syndrome by which action?
1.
Elevating the limb and applying ice to the affected leg
2.
Elevating the limb and covering it with bath blankets
3.
Keeping the leg horizontal and applying ice to the affected leg
4.
Placing the leg in a slightly dependent position and applying
ice -<<<Answers>>>1
(Rationale:
Compartment syndrome is prevented by controlling edema.
This is achieved most optimally with elevation and
application of ice. Therefore, the other options are incorrect.)
,A client is being discharged after application of a plaster leg
cast. The nurse determines that the client understands proper
care of the cast if the client makes which statement?
1.
"I need to avoid getting the cast wet."
2.
"I will use my fingertips to lift and move the leg."
3.
"I need to cover the casted leg with warm blankets."
4.
"I can use a padded coat hanger end to scratch under the cast."
-<<<Answers>>>1
(Rationale:
A plaster cast must remain dry to keep its strength. The cast
should be handled using the palms of the hands, not the
fingertips, until fully dry. Air should circulate freely around
the cast to help it dry; the cast also gives off heat as it dries.
The client should never scratch under the cast; a cool hair
dryer may be used to eliminate itching.)
, A client has just had a cast removed and the underlying skin is
yellow-brown and crusted. The nurse determines that *further
instructions are needed* about skin care if the client makes
which statement?
1.
"I will soak the skin and then wash it gently."
2.
"I need to scrub the skin vigorously with soap and water."
3.
"I need to apply an emollient lotion to enhance softening."
4.
"I need to use a sunscreen on the skin if it will be directly
exposed to the sun." -<<<Answers>>>2
(Rationale:
The skin under a casted area may be discolored and crusted
with dead skin layers. The client should gently soak and wash
the skin for the first few days. The skin should be patted dry,
and a lubricating lotion should be applied. Clients often want
to scrub the dead skin away, which irritates the skin. The
client should avoid direct exposure of the skin to the sunlight.)
