Sample Questions and Answers
A 45-year-old patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is experiencing increased joint pain and swelling. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate?
A) Apply a heating pad to the affected joints
B) Encourage the patient to perform vigorous exercises
C) Administer prescribed corticosteroids as ordered
D) Encourage the patient to rest in a non-weight-bearing position
Answer: C) Administer prescribed corticosteroids as ordered
A nurse is teaching a patient with osteoporosis about safety measures to prevent fractures. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A) Wear high heels to improve balance
B) Engage in high-impact exercise to strengthen bones
C) Keep pathways free of clutter to avoid tripping
D) Take calcium supplements only when fractures occur
Answer: C) Keep pathways free of clutter to avoid tripping
Which of the following signs and symptoms would most likely be seen in a patient with a fractured femur?
A) Sudden onset of chest pain and shortness of breath
B) Decreased range of motion and pain at the fracture site
C) Nausea and vomiting after a fall
D) Severe swelling and bruising at the hip joint
Answer: B) Decreased range of motion and pain at the fracture site
A patient with a recent hip replacement surgery asks when they can resume walking. Which is the nurse’s best response?
A) “You should wait at least 6 months before walking.”
B) “You can begin walking with assistance within a few days.”
C) “You should avoid walking until all sutures are removed.”
D) “Walking is only allowed after a follow-up visit in 2 weeks.”
Answer: B) “You can begin walking with assistance within a few days.”
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative after a spinal fusion. The nurse notes the patient is complaining of muscle weakness and a sensation of heaviness in the legs. Which of the following is the most important intervention?
A) Monitor vital signs every 2 hours
B) Assess for signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
C) Provide analgesia and reposition the patient frequently
D) Encourage early ambulation as tolerated
Answer: B) Assess for signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
A nurse is caring for a patient who has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A) “I will take acetaminophen for pain relief as needed.”
B) “I should avoid any exercise to reduce joint pain.”
C) “I will use a heating pad on my affected joints.”
D) “I can take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief.”
Answer: B) “I should avoid any exercise to reduce joint pain.”
A patient has been admitted with suspected compartment syndrome following a tibial fracture. Which of the following signs should the nurse monitor for?
A) Decreased peripheral pulses and cool skin
B) Increased pain unrelieved by medication and swelling
C) Numbness and tingling in the affected limb
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
A patient is recovering from a total knee replacement. Which of the following should the nurse include in the discharge teaching plan?
A) “Avoid bending your knee more than 90 degrees for the first 6 weeks.”
B) “You should bear weight on the leg immediately after surgery.”
C) “You can resume all activities within 2 weeks after surgery.”
D) “You will need to perform range-of-motion exercises regularly.”
Answer: D) “You will need to perform range-of-motion exercises regularly.”
A nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of gout. Which of the following is the priority intervention for this patient during an acute attack?
A) Administer prescribed NSAIDs as ordered
B) Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake
C) Restrict high-protein foods from the patient’s diet
D) Apply a warm compress to the affected joint
Answer: A) Administer prescribed NSAIDs as ordered
A nurse is teaching a patient who is recovering from a fracture about the use of a bone stimulator. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?
A) “You can wear the bone stimulator only while sleeping.”
B) “The bone stimulator should be used as prescribed, typically for 20 hours per day.”
C) “The bone stimulator will automatically heal the fracture.”
D) “You should only use the bone stimulator if pain occurs.”
Answer: B) “The bone stimulator should be used as prescribed, typically for 20 hours per day.”
A 70-year-old patient with osteoporosis asks the nurse about the risks of falling. Which of the following is the best response?
A) “You should avoid all physical activity to prevent falls.”
B) “You may want to consider wearing non-slip socks to improve your balance.”
C) “Try walking briskly on uneven surfaces to strengthen your bones.”
D) “Increasing your calcium intake will completely prevent falls.”
Answer: B) “You may want to consider wearing non-slip socks to improve your balance.”
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of scoliosis. Which of the following findings would indicate that the patient needs further evaluation?
A) Mild back pain that improves with rest
B) Uneven shoulder height and waist asymmetry
C) Pain with movement after prolonged sitting
D) A small curve in the spine that does not progress
Answer: B) Uneven shoulder height and waist asymmetry
A nurse is caring for a patient with a dislocated shoulder. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?
A) Apply ice to the shoulder
B) Assist with reducing the dislocation immediately
C) Administer analgesics as prescribed
D) Provide range-of-motion exercises for the shoulder
Answer: C) Administer analgesics as prescribed
A patient with osteoporosis is prescribed bisphosphonates. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching plan for this medication?
A) “Take the medication with food to avoid gastric irritation.”
B) “Take the medication first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.”
C) “You may lie down for 30 minutes after taking the medication.”
D) “Take the medication with calcium and vitamin D.”
Answer: B) “Take the medication first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.”
Which of the following is the most appropriate action for a nurse to take when caring for a patient who has a fractured leg in a cast and is complaining of increasing pain?
A) Reposition the leg to reduce swelling
B) Provide the patient with extra pillows to elevate the leg
C) Check for signs of compartment syndrome (e.g., pain, pallor, pulse)
D) Apply a heating pad to the casted leg to relax the muscles
Answer: C) Check for signs of compartment syndrome (e.g., pain, pallor, pulse)
A patient with a hip fracture is being prepared for surgery. Which of the following should the nurse prioritize in the preoperative care plan?
A) Administer pain medications as ordered
B) Encourage the patient to resume normal activities
C) Provide educational materials about hip replacement surgery
D) Encourage deep breathing exercises to improve lung function
Answer: A) Administer pain medications as ordered
A patient with osteoarthritis has been prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Which of the following is the most important consideration when taking this medication?
A) The patient should take the NSAID on an empty stomach to enhance absorption.
B) The patient should be monitored for signs of gastrointestinal bleeding.
C) The patient should increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
D) The patient should avoid using any type of joint support.
Answer: B) The patient should be monitored for signs of gastrointestinal bleeding.
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. Which of the following is most important for the nurse to include in the teaching plan?
A) “You should increase your intake of vitamin D and calcium while on this medication.”
B) “Methotrexate is taken to reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage.”
C) “You will need to take methotrexate daily for the rest of your life.”
D) “This medication can increase your risk of developing an infection.”
Answer: D) “This medication can increase your risk of developing an infection.”
A nurse is caring for a patient who is being treated for a herniated disc. Which of the following interventions is most important for managing the patient’s pain?
A) Encourage the patient to perform strengthening exercises
B) Provide heat therapy to the affected area
C) Limit physical activity to avoid further strain
D) Monitor for signs of neuropathy
Answer: B) Provide heat therapy to the affected area
A 72-year-old patient with osteoarthritis complains of difficulty performing activities of daily living due to joint stiffness. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?
A) Encourage the patient to rest the joints completely for several weeks
B) Teach the patient to perform joint-strengthening exercises as tolerated
C) Recommend that the patient try an alternative diet high in protein
D) Provide education on the use of joint protection devices and assistive devices
Answer: D) Provide education on the use of joint protection devices and assistive devices
A nurse is preparing a patient for discharge after a total hip replacement. The nurse should instruct the patient to avoid which of the following activities?
A) Walking with a walker for support
B) Crossing the legs while sitting
C) Using a raised toilet seat for comfort
D) Sleeping on the unaffected side
Answer: B) Crossing the legs while sitting
A nurse is caring for a patient after a spinal cord injury. The patient has a decreased sensation in the legs. Which of the following interventions is the priority for preventing complications?
A) Administer analgesics as prescribed
B) Monitor for signs of pressure ulcers
C) Encourage a high-fiber diet
D) Reposition the patient every 2 hours
Answer: B) Monitor for signs of pressure ulcers
A patient with a fractured tibia is in a plaster cast. The nurse notes that the patient’s toes are pale, cold, and painful. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Elevate the leg and recheck the pulses in 1 hour
B) Apply warm compresses to the toes
C) Notify the healthcare provider and prepare for removal of the cast
D) Encourage the patient to move the toes frequently
Answer: C) Notify the healthcare provider and prepare for removal of the cast
A patient with chronic low back pain is prescribed opioid pain medication. Which of the following interventions is the most important to include in the care plan?
A) Encourage the patient to take the medication only at bedtime
B) Monitor for signs of respiratory depression
C) Recommend that the patient participate in yoga therapy
D) Instruct the patient to restrict fluid intake to avoid urinary retention
Answer: B) Monitor for signs of respiratory depression
A nurse is caring for a patient with a cast on the left arm. The nurse is concerned about possible compartment syndrome. Which of the following signs would be most indicative of this condition?
A) Increased warmth and redness at the cast site
B) Numbness, tingling, and increased pain despite medication
C) Increased mobility and a decrease in pain
D) Pallor and increased swelling of the hand
Answer: B) Numbness, tingling, and increased pain despite medication
A 58-year-old patient has been diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this injury?
A) Trauma or overuse of the shoulder joint
B) Autoimmune attack on the shoulder joints
C) Genetic predisposition to muscle weakness
D) A history of excessive alcohol consumption
Answer: A) Trauma or overuse of the shoulder joint
A nurse is caring for a patient with a suspected muscle strain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A) Apply ice to the affected area to reduce swelling
B) Recommend the patient take a hot bath to relax the muscles
C) Encourage the patient to rest and elevate the injured limb
D) Administer an NSAID as prescribed
Answer: A) Apply ice to the affected area to reduce swelling
A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a patient with a hip replacement. Which of the following sites is the most appropriate for injection?
A) Dorsogluteal site
B) Vastus lateralis
C) Rectus femoris
D) Deltoid
Answer: B) Vastus lateralis
A nurse is caring for a patient with a hip fracture. Which of the following findings would most likely indicate a complication of the injury?
A) The patient reports increased pain in the affected leg
B) The patient exhibits decreased range of motion in the hip joint
C) The patient’s affected leg is externally rotated and shorter than the other leg
D) The patient is able to ambulate with crutches
Answer: C) The patient’s affected leg is externally rotated and shorter than the other leg
A patient with a recent lumbar laminectomy is being prepared for discharge. Which of the following should the nurse include in the discharge teaching plan?
A) “Avoid bending at the waist and lifting heavy objects for at least 6 weeks.”
B) “You should start vigorous physical therapy immediately to regain strength.”
C) “You may resume normal activities within 2 weeks.”
D) “You should avoid walking as much as possible until the pain subsides.”
Answer: A) “Avoid bending at the waist and lifting heavy objects for at least 6 weeks.”
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