Musculoskeletal & Respiratory
NGN Study Guide for
Nursing||Latest Exam Update with
Most tested terminologies And
Correct Answers||
DEXA T-scores -CORRECT ANSWER Normal = −1 to +1; Osteopenia = −1 to −2.5;
Osteoporosis ≤ −2.5.
RA labs -CORRECT ANSWER RF (>1:80 often), anti-CCP (late disease/diagnostic),
ANA (+ in autoimmune), ESR/CRP ↑ in inflammation.
Gout -CORRECT ANSWER Uric acid goal < 6 mg/dL; crystals → tophi; risks: male >50,
ETOH, diuretics, obesity.
Asthma PFT -CORRECT ANSWER FEV1/PEF increase ≥12% after bronchodilator =
reversible obstruction.
ABG in severe asthma -CORRECT ANSWER PaO2 ↓; PaCO2 early ↓ (tachypnea) then
↑ (fatigue/retention) → resp acidosis.
Osteomyelitis labs -CORRECT ANSWER WBC ↑, ESR/CRP ↑; imaging: bone scan;
possible CT.
Anterior epistaxis -CORRECT ANSWER Sit up/lean forward; pinch soft nose 15-20 min;
ice; no nose-blowing 24 h.
Posterior epistaxis -CORRECT ANSWER Airway! Posterior packing/catheters; watch
for frequent swallowing (bleed), respiratory status.
Status asthmaticus -CORRECT ANSWER Continuous monitoring; SABA + systemic
corticosteroids; escalate O2/ventilatory support if failing.
Post-THA (hip) -CORRECT ANSWER Prevent dislocation (approach-specific
precautions), abduction device, sudden ↑ pain/agitation or unequal leg length = red flag;
VTE prophylaxis (LMWH/enoxaparin, early ambulation, SCDs).
Osteomyelitis (acute) -CORRECT ANSWER IV antibiotics 4-6 wks based on C&S; pain
control; possible home IV.
, OSA -CORRECT ANSWER CPAP/NPPV adherence; avoid sedatives/alcohol; STOP-
Bang; education on equipment care.
Osteoarthritis (OA) -CORRECT ANSWER Persistent joint pain/stiffness (worse after
activity; better with rest), crepitus, effusions; ADL difficulty; BMI ↑; prior joint injury;
sports/occupation strain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) -CORRECT ANSWER Chronic, progressive autoimmune
synovitis with remissions/exacerbations; systemic manifestations.
Long-term complications of RA -CORRECT ANSWER Osteoporosis, Sjögren's,
pericarditis/atherosclerosis, interstitial lung dz/COPD risk, lymphoma; immunomodulator
AEs.
DMARDs -CORRECT ANSWER Methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine.
Biologics for RA -CORRECT ANSWER Etanercept, abatacept; infliximab, adalimumab,
rituximab, golimumab.
Evaluate RA treatment -CORRECT ANSWER Pain controlled, maintained
function/independence, improved self-esteem/body image.
Gout risk factors -CORRECT ANSWER Uric acid crystal deposition (urate) in joints/soft
tissue; men >50, obesity, alcohol, diuretics, genetics.
Gout Priorities -CORRECT ANSWER Pain, limited mobility; renal risk (stones). SMART
examples: uric acid <6 mg/dL (3 mo); pain <3 in 24 h; no acute attack in 1 year.
Gout Triggers -CORRECT ANSWER Red/organ meats, shellfish, alcohol (esp. beer).
Gout Medications - Acute -CORRECT ANSWER NSAIDs, steroids, colchicine.
Gout Medications - Uric-lowering -CORRECT ANSWER Allopurinol (1st-line),
febuxostat, pegloticase.
Osteoporosis Pathophysiology -CORRECT ANSWER Bone resorption > formation
(osteoclast > osteoblast) → fragile bone; 'silent thief.'
Osteoporosis Common Fractures -CORRECT ANSWER Hip, distal radius, spine.
Osteoporosis Risks -CORRECT ANSWER ↑ in women (frame, menopause,
pregnancy/lactation).
Osteoporosis Cues -CORRECT ANSWER Often asymptomatic until fracture; back pain,
kyphosis, height loss (2-3″), spontaneous/low-energy fractures.
NGN Study Guide for
Nursing||Latest Exam Update with
Most tested terminologies And
Correct Answers||
DEXA T-scores -CORRECT ANSWER Normal = −1 to +1; Osteopenia = −1 to −2.5;
Osteoporosis ≤ −2.5.
RA labs -CORRECT ANSWER RF (>1:80 often), anti-CCP (late disease/diagnostic),
ANA (+ in autoimmune), ESR/CRP ↑ in inflammation.
Gout -CORRECT ANSWER Uric acid goal < 6 mg/dL; crystals → tophi; risks: male >50,
ETOH, diuretics, obesity.
Asthma PFT -CORRECT ANSWER FEV1/PEF increase ≥12% after bronchodilator =
reversible obstruction.
ABG in severe asthma -CORRECT ANSWER PaO2 ↓; PaCO2 early ↓ (tachypnea) then
↑ (fatigue/retention) → resp acidosis.
Osteomyelitis labs -CORRECT ANSWER WBC ↑, ESR/CRP ↑; imaging: bone scan;
possible CT.
Anterior epistaxis -CORRECT ANSWER Sit up/lean forward; pinch soft nose 15-20 min;
ice; no nose-blowing 24 h.
Posterior epistaxis -CORRECT ANSWER Airway! Posterior packing/catheters; watch
for frequent swallowing (bleed), respiratory status.
Status asthmaticus -CORRECT ANSWER Continuous monitoring; SABA + systemic
corticosteroids; escalate O2/ventilatory support if failing.
Post-THA (hip) -CORRECT ANSWER Prevent dislocation (approach-specific
precautions), abduction device, sudden ↑ pain/agitation or unequal leg length = red flag;
VTE prophylaxis (LMWH/enoxaparin, early ambulation, SCDs).
Osteomyelitis (acute) -CORRECT ANSWER IV antibiotics 4-6 wks based on C&S; pain
control; possible home IV.
, OSA -CORRECT ANSWER CPAP/NPPV adherence; avoid sedatives/alcohol; STOP-
Bang; education on equipment care.
Osteoarthritis (OA) -CORRECT ANSWER Persistent joint pain/stiffness (worse after
activity; better with rest), crepitus, effusions; ADL difficulty; BMI ↑; prior joint injury;
sports/occupation strain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) -CORRECT ANSWER Chronic, progressive autoimmune
synovitis with remissions/exacerbations; systemic manifestations.
Long-term complications of RA -CORRECT ANSWER Osteoporosis, Sjögren's,
pericarditis/atherosclerosis, interstitial lung dz/COPD risk, lymphoma; immunomodulator
AEs.
DMARDs -CORRECT ANSWER Methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine.
Biologics for RA -CORRECT ANSWER Etanercept, abatacept; infliximab, adalimumab,
rituximab, golimumab.
Evaluate RA treatment -CORRECT ANSWER Pain controlled, maintained
function/independence, improved self-esteem/body image.
Gout risk factors -CORRECT ANSWER Uric acid crystal deposition (urate) in joints/soft
tissue; men >50, obesity, alcohol, diuretics, genetics.
Gout Priorities -CORRECT ANSWER Pain, limited mobility; renal risk (stones). SMART
examples: uric acid <6 mg/dL (3 mo); pain <3 in 24 h; no acute attack in 1 year.
Gout Triggers -CORRECT ANSWER Red/organ meats, shellfish, alcohol (esp. beer).
Gout Medications - Acute -CORRECT ANSWER NSAIDs, steroids, colchicine.
Gout Medications - Uric-lowering -CORRECT ANSWER Allopurinol (1st-line),
febuxostat, pegloticase.
Osteoporosis Pathophysiology -CORRECT ANSWER Bone resorption > formation
(osteoclast > osteoblast) → fragile bone; 'silent thief.'
Osteoporosis Common Fractures -CORRECT ANSWER Hip, distal radius, spine.
Osteoporosis Risks -CORRECT ANSWER ↑ in women (frame, menopause,
pregnancy/lactation).
Osteoporosis Cues -CORRECT ANSWER Often asymptomatic until fracture; back pain,
kyphosis, height loss (2-3″), spontaneous/low-energy fractures.
