ATI MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024 (VERIFIED
ANSWERS)
1. A nurse is assessing a client with a fractured femur. Which of the following
findings is the earliest indication of fat embolism syndrome?
Altered mental status
Fat embolism syndrome initially presents with neurologic changes such
as confusion due to cerebral embolism.
2. A nurse is caring for a client post-total hip arthroplasty. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take to prevent hip dislocation?
Place an abduction pillow between the client’s legs
An abduction pillow maintains proper alignment and prevents the hip
from dislocating.
3. A client with a cast reports persistent itching under the cast. What should the
nurse recommend?
Use a hair dryer on the cool setting to relieve the itch
Using a hair dryer on a cool setting is safe and helps soothe itching
without damaging the skin.
4. A nurse is assessing a client with compartment syndrome. Which of the
following findings should be reported immediately?
Pain that increases with passive movement
, This is a classic sign of compartment syndrome, which is a surgical
emergency.
5. Which of the following lab values should be monitored in a client on long-
term corticosteroid therapy for rheumatoid arthritis?
Serum glucose
Corticosteroids can cause hyperglycemia, so glucose levels must be
monitored regularly.
6. A client is prescribed methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis. What teaching
should be included?
Avoid crowds and people who are sick
Methotrexate is immunosuppressive, increasing the risk of infection.
7. A nurse is teaching a client with osteoporosis about dietary changes. Which
of the following foods should the client consume more frequently?
Sardines
Sardines are high in calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health.
8. Which of the following is an expected finding in a client with osteoarthritis?
Joint pain that improves with rest
Unlike RA, osteoarthritis pain typically improves with rest and worsens
with activity.
9. A client has a new prescription for alendronate. Which instruction should the
nurse include?
Sit upright for 30 minutes after taking the medication
Alendronate can cause esophageal irritation and must be taken with
precautions.
, 10. Which of the following clients is at highest risk for osteoporosis?
A 65-year-old postmenopausal woman who smokes
Age, menopause, and smoking are all significant risk factors for
osteoporosis.
11. A nurse is assessing a client with gout. Which lab value should the nurse
expect to be elevated?
Uric acid
Gout is caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints.
12. Which medication is used to prevent gout attacks?
Allopurinol
Allopurinol reduces uric acid levels and prevents future attacks.
13. A nurse is caring for a client with an external fixation device. Which
action is essential?
Perform pin site care daily
Pin site care helps prevent infection around the hardware.
14. A nurse assesses crepitus in a client’s knee. This finding is consistent with
which condition?
Osteoarthritis
Crepitus, or a grinding sound, is a common symptom of OA due to
cartilage breakdown.
15. A client has a sprained ankle. What is the immediate treatment?
Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
RICE is the standard initial treatment for soft tissue injuries.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024 (VERIFIED
ANSWERS)
1. A nurse is assessing a client with a fractured femur. Which of the following
findings is the earliest indication of fat embolism syndrome?
Altered mental status
Fat embolism syndrome initially presents with neurologic changes such
as confusion due to cerebral embolism.
2. A nurse is caring for a client post-total hip arthroplasty. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take to prevent hip dislocation?
Place an abduction pillow between the client’s legs
An abduction pillow maintains proper alignment and prevents the hip
from dislocating.
3. A client with a cast reports persistent itching under the cast. What should the
nurse recommend?
Use a hair dryer on the cool setting to relieve the itch
Using a hair dryer on a cool setting is safe and helps soothe itching
without damaging the skin.
4. A nurse is assessing a client with compartment syndrome. Which of the
following findings should be reported immediately?
Pain that increases with passive movement
, This is a classic sign of compartment syndrome, which is a surgical
emergency.
5. Which of the following lab values should be monitored in a client on long-
term corticosteroid therapy for rheumatoid arthritis?
Serum glucose
Corticosteroids can cause hyperglycemia, so glucose levels must be
monitored regularly.
6. A client is prescribed methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis. What teaching
should be included?
Avoid crowds and people who are sick
Methotrexate is immunosuppressive, increasing the risk of infection.
7. A nurse is teaching a client with osteoporosis about dietary changes. Which
of the following foods should the client consume more frequently?
Sardines
Sardines are high in calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health.
8. Which of the following is an expected finding in a client with osteoarthritis?
Joint pain that improves with rest
Unlike RA, osteoarthritis pain typically improves with rest and worsens
with activity.
9. A client has a new prescription for alendronate. Which instruction should the
nurse include?
Sit upright for 30 minutes after taking the medication
Alendronate can cause esophageal irritation and must be taken with
precautions.
, 10. Which of the following clients is at highest risk for osteoporosis?
A 65-year-old postmenopausal woman who smokes
Age, menopause, and smoking are all significant risk factors for
osteoporosis.
11. A nurse is assessing a client with gout. Which lab value should the nurse
expect to be elevated?
Uric acid
Gout is caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints.
12. Which medication is used to prevent gout attacks?
Allopurinol
Allopurinol reduces uric acid levels and prevents future attacks.
13. A nurse is caring for a client with an external fixation device. Which
action is essential?
Perform pin site care daily
Pin site care helps prevent infection around the hardware.
14. A nurse assesses crepitus in a client’s knee. This finding is consistent with
which condition?
Osteoarthritis
Crepitus, or a grinding sound, is a common symptom of OA due to
cartilage breakdown.
15. A client has a sprained ankle. What is the immediate treatment?
Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
RICE is the standard initial treatment for soft tissue injuries.
