Nokea
A client arriving at the emergency department is diagnosed with a dislocation. Assessment would most likely result in which finding(s)?
- A. Complaint of a popping sound
- B. Protrusion in the joint
- C. Swelling
- D. Pain
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: With a dislocation, a client often reports hearing a popping sound when the dislocation occurs. In addition, the structural shape is altered, with a depression noted about the joint's circumference indicating that the bones above and below are no longer aligned. Swelling, coolness, numbness, tingling, and pale or dusky color of the distal tissue also are present. Pain is a common symptom associated with dislocations.
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A client comes to the emergency department and it is found that the client's radial head is partially dislocated. What is this partially dislocated radial head documented as?
- A. Volkmann's contracture
- B. Subluxation
- C. Compartment syndrome
- D. Sprain
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A partial dislocation is referred to as a subluxation. A Volkmann contracture is a claw-like deformity that results from compartment syndrome or obstructed arterial blood flow to the forearm and hand. Compartment syndrome is a condition in which a structure such as a tendon or nerve is constricted in a confined space and affects nerve innervation, leading to subsequent palsy. A sprain is injury to the ligaments surrounding the joint.
A client comes to the orthopedic clinic and reports having pain that radiates down the forearm and being unable to grasp objects firmly. What does the nurse suspect is occurring with the client?
- A. Carpal tunnel syndrome
- B. Ganglion cyst
- C. Epicondylitis
- D. Shoulder dislocation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is a painful inflammation of the elbow that is caused by injury following excessive pronation and supination of the forearm, such as that which occurs when playing tennis, pitching a ball, or rowing. Client reports pain radiating down the dorsal surface of the forearm and a weak grasp. Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve and affects the hand with burning. Pain is more prominent in the early morning or at night. The pain of a ganglion cyst is more localized in the area of the cyst. The symptoms the client describes do not correlate with a diagnosis of shoulder dislocation.
A client arrives at the orthopedic clinic and reports suspecting a stress fracture of the right foot. The physician orders an x-ray with negative results. What does the nurse understand that these negative results can mean?
- A. The client does not have a stress fracture
- B. The client probably has a strain
- C. The stress fracture may not be seen on x-ray for a few weeks.
- D. The physician may have misread the x-ray.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A stress fracture may not be apparent radiographically for a few weeks. A bone scan usually can identify a nondisplaced or stress fracture earlier than an x-ray.
The nurse is demonstrating how to perform range-of-motion (ROM) exercises for a patient with tendinitis of the wrist. What intervention can the nurse encourage the client to use in order to decrease discomfort when performing the exercises?
- A. Perform the exercises when using hand weights.
- B. Perform the exercises and then take pain medication.
- C. Perform the exercises with the hand and wrist under warm water.
- D. Perform the exercises after icing the hand and wrist.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Some clients find that hand exercises are less painful if performed with the hand under warm water. Hand weights should not be used when performing exercises unless prescribed by the physician and will not decrease discomfort. Pain medication such as an NSAID should be taken prior to exercising. The use of ice is not recommended after 48 hours postinjury and may make the exercises more uncomfortable.
A client had a dislocated shoulder, and when healing, the client had insufficient deposits of collagen during the repair stage. What complication is the nurse aware can occur from this lack of collagen?
- A. Carpal tunnel syndrome
- B. Compartment syndrome
- C. Volkmann contracture
- D. Recurrent dislocations
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A possible complication of dislocations during the healing process involves an insufficient deposit of collagen during the repair stage. The end result is that the ligaments may have reduced tensile strength and future instability, leading to recurrent dislocations of the same joint. Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compression of the median nerve. Compartment syndrome is not a recurrent problem but will affect innervation. Volkmann contracture is a result of obstructed arterial blood flow to the forearm and hand and does not result from a dislocated shoulder.