Nokea
The nurse is assessing the movement of a patient's elbow and notes crackling sounds and a grating sensation with palpation. Which of the following terms should the nurse use to document these findings?
- A. Torticollis
- B. Crepitation
- C. Subluxation
- D. Epicondylitis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Crackling sounds and a grating sensation that accompany movement are described as crepitus or crepitation. Torticollis is a twisting of the neck to one side, subluxation is a partial dislocation of the joint, and epicondylitis is an inflammation of the elbow that causes a dull ache that increases with movement.
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The nurse is preparing to assess a patient's musculoskeletal system. Which of the following actions should the nurse do first?
- A. Feel for the presence of crepitus during joint movement.
- B. Have the patient move the extremities against resistance.
- C. Observe the patient's body build and muscle configuration.
- D. Check active and passive range of motion for the extremities.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The usual technique in the physical assessment is to begin with inspection. Abnormalities in muscle mass or configuration will allow the nurse to perform a more focused assessment of abnormal areas. The other assessments also are included in the assessment but are usually done after inspection.
Which of the following information obtained during the nurse's assessment of the patient's nutritional-metabolic pattern may indicate the risk for musculoskeletal condition?
- A. The patient takes a multivitamin daily.
- B. The patient dislikes fruits and vegetables.
- C. The patient is 158 cm and weighs 81 kg.
- D. The patient prefers whole milk to nonfat milk.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patient's height and weight indicate obesity, which places stress on weight-bearing joints. The use of whole milk, avoiding fruits and vegetables, and use of a daily multivitamin are not risk factors for musculoskeletal condition.
The nurse is caring for a patient with kyphosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to assess?
- A. Shortened stride
- B. Exaggerated thoracic curvature
- C. Grating sound when performing passive ROM
- D. Uncoordinated, swaying gait
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Patients with kyphosis (dowager's hump) have a forward bending of thoracic spine, an exaggerated thoracic curvature. A shortened stride is antalgic gait. Crepitation is crackling sound or grating sensation as a result of friction between bones, broken bone, or cartilage bits in joint. An uncoordinated swaying gait is an ataxic gait.
While testing the patient's muscle strength, the nurse finds that the patient can flex the arms when no resistance is applied but is unable to flex when the nurse applies light resistance. The nurse should document the patient's muscle strength as level
- A. 1
- B. 2
- C. 3
- D. 4
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A level 3 indicates that the patient is unable to move against resistance but can move against gravity. Level 1 indicates minimal muscle contraction, level 2 indicates that the arm can move when gravity is eliminated, and level 4 indicates active movement with some resistance.
The nurse is caring for a patient with knee pain who is diagnosed with bursitis and asks the nurse to explain just what bursitis is. The nurse will respond that bursitis is an inflammation of which of the following structures?
- A. A small, fluid-filled sac found at many joints
- B. The synovial membrane that lines the joint area
- C. The fibrocartilage that acts as a shock absorber in the knee joint
- D. Any connective tissue that is found supporting the joints of the body
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints and bony prominences. Fibrocartilage is a solid tissue that cushions some joints. Bursae are a specific type of connective tissue. The synovial membrane lines many joints but is not a bursa.