ATI MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2024 (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
1. A nurse is assessing a client with rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect?
a. Asymmetrical joint involvement
b. Pain that improves with movement
c. Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
d. Joint pain relieved by rest
Rationale: Rheumatoid arthritis typically presents with symmetrical joint pain and
prolonged morning stiffness.
2. A client has had a right total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following
positions should be avoided during the early postoperative period?
a. Abduction
b. Adduction
c. Supine with legs apart
d. Semi-Fowler's with abduction pillow
Rationale: Adduction increases risk of dislocation after hip replacement.
, 3. A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a client who has osteoporosis and is
prescribed alendronate. Which instruction should the nurse include?
a. Take with a full glass of juice
b. Lie down after taking the medication
c. Sit upright for 30 minutes after taking
d. Take with an antacid
Rationale: Sitting upright prevents esophageal irritation caused by
bisphosphonates like alendronate.
4. A nurse is assessing a client who has osteoarthritis. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect?
a. Fever
b. Joint pain with activity
c. Weight loss
d. Warm, red joints
Rationale: Osteoarthritis causes localized joint pain worsened by activity.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who has had a cast placed on the forearm.
Which of the following is the priority assessment?
a. Odor from the cast
b. Capillary refill
, c. Pain at the site
d. Client's ability to move the fingers
Rationale: Neurovascular assessment (capillary refill) is the priority to detect
compartment syndrome.
6. A client with a fractured femur develops sudden shortness of breath and
petechiae on the chest. Which complication is suspected?
a. Pneumonia
b. Pulmonary embolism
c. Fat embolism
d. Myocardial infarction
Rationale: Fat embolism is a serious complication of long bone fractures.
7. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about how to use a cane. Which
of the following statements indicates correct understanding?
a. "I will hold the cane on the same side as my weak leg."
b. "I will move my strong leg first when walking."
c. "I will move the cane forward with my weak leg."
d. "I will place the cane 24 inches in front of me."
Rationale: The cane should move forward with the weak leg to maintain balance.
8. A nurse is caring for a client in skeletal traction. Which action should the
nurse take?
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2024 (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
1. A nurse is assessing a client with rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect?
a. Asymmetrical joint involvement
b. Pain that improves with movement
c. Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
d. Joint pain relieved by rest
Rationale: Rheumatoid arthritis typically presents with symmetrical joint pain and
prolonged morning stiffness.
2. A client has had a right total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following
positions should be avoided during the early postoperative period?
a. Abduction
b. Adduction
c. Supine with legs apart
d. Semi-Fowler's with abduction pillow
Rationale: Adduction increases risk of dislocation after hip replacement.
, 3. A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a client who has osteoporosis and is
prescribed alendronate. Which instruction should the nurse include?
a. Take with a full glass of juice
b. Lie down after taking the medication
c. Sit upright for 30 minutes after taking
d. Take with an antacid
Rationale: Sitting upright prevents esophageal irritation caused by
bisphosphonates like alendronate.
4. A nurse is assessing a client who has osteoarthritis. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect?
a. Fever
b. Joint pain with activity
c. Weight loss
d. Warm, red joints
Rationale: Osteoarthritis causes localized joint pain worsened by activity.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who has had a cast placed on the forearm.
Which of the following is the priority assessment?
a. Odor from the cast
b. Capillary refill
, c. Pain at the site
d. Client's ability to move the fingers
Rationale: Neurovascular assessment (capillary refill) is the priority to detect
compartment syndrome.
6. A client with a fractured femur develops sudden shortness of breath and
petechiae on the chest. Which complication is suspected?
a. Pneumonia
b. Pulmonary embolism
c. Fat embolism
d. Myocardial infarction
Rationale: Fat embolism is a serious complication of long bone fractures.
7. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about how to use a cane. Which
of the following statements indicates correct understanding?
a. "I will hold the cane on the same side as my weak leg."
b. "I will move my strong leg first when walking."
c. "I will move the cane forward with my weak leg."
d. "I will place the cane 24 inches in front of me."
Rationale: The cane should move forward with the weak leg to maintain balance.
8. A nurse is caring for a client in skeletal traction. Which action should the
nurse take?
