Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Introduction to the Musculoskeletal System Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Introduction to the Musculoskeletal System related questions and content

The nurse is taking an initial history of a new client with a musculoskeletal problem. Which factor is most important for the nurse to keep in mind for this assessment?

  • A. Client's age
  • B. Client's lifestyle
  • C. Any chronic disorder or recent injury
  • D. Duration and location of discomfort or pain
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The focus of the initial history depends on the nature of the musculoskeletal problem, whether the client has a chronic disorder or a recent injury. If the disorder is long-standing, the nurse obtains a thorough medical, drug, and allergy history. If the client is injured, the nurse finds out when and how the trauma occurred. The client's age, lifestyle, or duration and location of discomfort or pain, although important, have little influence on the focus of the initial history and assessment of the client.