MDC1 2356 EXAM 2: ORTHOPEDIC & SENSORY
NURSING – COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND 100%
CORRECT ANSWERS AND DETAILED RATIONALES
1. A client's left leg is in skeletal traction with a Thomas leg splint and
Pearson attachment. Which intervention should the nurse include in
this client's care plan?
Choices:
A. Apply the traction straps snugly.
B. Assess the client's level of consciousness.
C. Remove the traction at least every 8 hours.
D. Teach the client how to prevent problems caused by immobility.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Immobility from traction increases risks of skin breakdown,
muscle atrophy, constipation, and DVT. Client education on prevention is
essential.
2. A nurse is caring for a client placed in traction to treat a fractured
femur. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?
Choices:
A. Assessing the extremity for neurovascular integrity
B. Keeping the client from sliding to the foot of the bed
C. Keeping the ropes over the center of the pulley
D. Ensuring that the weights hang free at all times
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Neurovascular assessment is the priority to detect
compartment syndrome or nerve damage early.
3. Which orthopedic surgery is done to correct and align a fracture
after surgical dissection and exposure of the fracture?
Choices:
A. Arthrodesis
B. Joint arthroplasty
C. Total joint arthroplasty
D. Open reduction
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Open reduction involves surgically exposing the fracture site
to realign the bones.
4. The client displays manifestations of compartment syndrome. What
treatment will the nurse expect the client to be scheduled for?
Choices:
A. An open reduction
B. A fasciotomy
C. A total hip replacement
D. A total knee replacement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fasciotomy is the surgical treatment for compartment
syndrome to relieve pressure.
,5. A client who is undergoing skeletal traction reports pressure on
bony areas. Which action would be most appropriate to provide
comfort for the client?
Choices:
A. Assisting with range-of-motion and isometric exercises.
B. Changing the client's position within prescribed limits.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Changing position within prescribed limits helps relieve
pressure on bony prominences without disrupting traction.
6. A client's fracture was reduced by surgically exposing the bone and
realigning it. What type of treatment does the nurse identify this as?
Choices:
A. Buck's traction
B. Skeletal traction
C. Internal fixation
D. Open reduction
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Open reduction requires surgical incision and exposure of the
fracture site to realign the bones.
7. The nurse is checking the traction apparatus for a client in skin
traction. Which finding would require the nurse to intervene?
Choices:
A. Body aligned opposite to line of traction pull
B. Weights hanging and touching the floor
C. Pulleys without evidence of the obstruction
, D. Ropes freely moving over pulleys
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Traction weights must hang freely to maintain proper pull.
Weights touching the floor reduce traction effectiveness.
8. A group of students is studying for a test on traction. The students
demonstrate understanding of the types of traction when they
identify which of the following as an example of skin traction?
Choices:
A. Crutchfield tongs
B. Thomas splint
C. Buck's
D. Balanced suspension
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Buck's traction is a type of skin traction that uses adhesive or
non-adhesive boots or wraps applied directly to the skin.
9. The nurse is providing instructions to the client who is being
prepared for skeletal traction. Which statement by the client indicates
teaching was effective?
Choices:
A. "Metal pins will go through my skin to the bone."
B. "I will wear a boot with weights attached."
C. "A belt will go around my pelvis and weights will be attached."
D. "The traction can be removed once a day so I can shower."
Correct Answer: A
NURSING – COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND 100%
CORRECT ANSWERS AND DETAILED RATIONALES
1. A client's left leg is in skeletal traction with a Thomas leg splint and
Pearson attachment. Which intervention should the nurse include in
this client's care plan?
Choices:
A. Apply the traction straps snugly.
B. Assess the client's level of consciousness.
C. Remove the traction at least every 8 hours.
D. Teach the client how to prevent problems caused by immobility.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Immobility from traction increases risks of skin breakdown,
muscle atrophy, constipation, and DVT. Client education on prevention is
essential.
2. A nurse is caring for a client placed in traction to treat a fractured
femur. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?
Choices:
A. Assessing the extremity for neurovascular integrity
B. Keeping the client from sliding to the foot of the bed
C. Keeping the ropes over the center of the pulley
D. Ensuring that the weights hang free at all times
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Neurovascular assessment is the priority to detect
compartment syndrome or nerve damage early.
3. Which orthopedic surgery is done to correct and align a fracture
after surgical dissection and exposure of the fracture?
Choices:
A. Arthrodesis
B. Joint arthroplasty
C. Total joint arthroplasty
D. Open reduction
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Open reduction involves surgically exposing the fracture site
to realign the bones.
4. The client displays manifestations of compartment syndrome. What
treatment will the nurse expect the client to be scheduled for?
Choices:
A. An open reduction
B. A fasciotomy
C. A total hip replacement
D. A total knee replacement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fasciotomy is the surgical treatment for compartment
syndrome to relieve pressure.
,5. A client who is undergoing skeletal traction reports pressure on
bony areas. Which action would be most appropriate to provide
comfort for the client?
Choices:
A. Assisting with range-of-motion and isometric exercises.
B. Changing the client's position within prescribed limits.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Changing position within prescribed limits helps relieve
pressure on bony prominences without disrupting traction.
6. A client's fracture was reduced by surgically exposing the bone and
realigning it. What type of treatment does the nurse identify this as?
Choices:
A. Buck's traction
B. Skeletal traction
C. Internal fixation
D. Open reduction
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Open reduction requires surgical incision and exposure of the
fracture site to realign the bones.
7. The nurse is checking the traction apparatus for a client in skin
traction. Which finding would require the nurse to intervene?
Choices:
A. Body aligned opposite to line of traction pull
B. Weights hanging and touching the floor
C. Pulleys without evidence of the obstruction
, D. Ropes freely moving over pulleys
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Traction weights must hang freely to maintain proper pull.
Weights touching the floor reduce traction effectiveness.
8. A group of students is studying for a test on traction. The students
demonstrate understanding of the types of traction when they
identify which of the following as an example of skin traction?
Choices:
A. Crutchfield tongs
B. Thomas splint
C. Buck's
D. Balanced suspension
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Buck's traction is a type of skin traction that uses adhesive or
non-adhesive boots or wraps applied directly to the skin.
9. The nurse is providing instructions to the client who is being
prepared for skeletal traction. Which statement by the client indicates
teaching was effective?
Choices:
A. "Metal pins will go through my skin to the bone."
B. "I will wear a boot with weights attached."
C. "A belt will go around my pelvis and weights will be attached."
D. "The traction can be removed once a day so I can shower."
Correct Answer: A
