Nokea
The nurse obtains this information when assessing an older-adult patient in the outpatient clinic. Which of the following findings is of highest priority when the nurse is planning care for the patient?
- A. Symmetrical joint swelling of fingers
- B. Decreased right knee range of motion
- C. History of recent loss of balance and fall
- D. Complaint of left hip aching when jogging
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A history of falls requires further assessment and development of fall prevention strategies. The other changes are more typical of bone and joint changes associated with normal aging.
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The nurse is caring for a patient with kyphosis who is scheduled for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) testing. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to implement?
- A. Give an oral sedative.
- B. Start an intravenous line
- C. Teach the patient about DEXA.
- D. Screen the patient for shellfish allergies.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: DEXA testing is painless and noninvasive. No IV access is necessary. Contrast medium is not used. Because the procedure is painless, no antianxiety medications are required.
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.
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.
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.
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.