MUSCULOSKELETAL Flashcards
(10 cards)
During a musculoskeletal assessment, the nurse asks the client to move their arm in a circular motion. What type of movement is this?
A. Flexion
B. Rotation
C. Circumduction
D. Abduction
C. Circumduction
Rationale: Circumduction is the movement of a limb in a circular motion, commonly assessed in the shoulder or hip.
The nurse observes that an elderly client has a stooped posture and decreased height. Which age-related change is most likely responsible?
A. Osteoarthritis
B. Osteoporosis
C. Kyphosis
D. Lordosis
B. Osteoporosis
Rationale: Osteoporosis causes loss of bone mass, leading to vertebral compression and decreased height.
A nurse is assessing muscle strength in a client’s lower extremities. The client is able to move their leg against gravity but not against resistance. How should the nurse document this strength?
A. 1/5
B. 2/5
C. 3/5
D. 4/5
C. 3/5
Rationale: A muscle strength of 3/5 means full range of motion against gravity but not against resistance.
Which assessment finding indicates a positive Phalen’s test in a client with wrist pain?
A. Pain with wrist flexion
B. Numbness or tingling in fingers after wrist flexion
C. Limited range of motion
D. Popping sound with movement
B. Numbness or tingling in fingers after wrist flexion
Rationale: A positive Phalen’s test, used to assess for carpal tunnel syndrome, is indicated by tingling or numbness in the median nerve distribution.
Which of the following is a normal finding during inspection of the musculoskeletal system?
A. Asymmetry of limb length
B. Slight curvature of the thoracic spine
C. Crepitus with joint movement
D. Muscle atrophy on one side
B. Slight curvature of the thoracic spine
Rationale: A slight kyphotic curve is normal in the thoracic spine, especially in older adults.
The nurse is assessing range of motion in a client’s knee. Which movement should the nurse ask the client to perform?
A. Abduction and adduction
B. Rotation and circumduction
C. Flexion and extension
D. Supination and pronation
C. Flexion and extension
Rationale: The knee is a hinge joint and its main movements are flexion and extension.
Which finding should the nurse consider abnormal during musculoskeletal assessment?
A. Bilateral muscle symmetry
B. Full range of motion without pain
C. Audible crepitus in the knee with movement
D. Muscle strength of 5/5
C. Audible crepitus in the knee with movement
Rationale: While soft crackling sounds may occur with age, audible crepitus may indicate joint degeneration or damage.
A nurse observes that a client’s shoulder appears lower on one side. What is the next best step?
A. Document the finding as normal
B. Ask about history of injury or pain
C. Apply a warm compress
D. Palpate the area for edema
B. Ask about history of injury or pain
Rationale: Uneven shoulders may indicate scoliosis or muscle injury and warrant further assessment.
Which condition is characterized by decreased joint space, joint pain, and bony overgrowth seen on musculoskeletal exam?
A. Rheumatoid arthritis
B. Osteoarthritis
C. Gout
D. Tendonitis
B. Osteoarthritis
Rationale: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition characterized by joint space narrowing and osteophyte formation.
During a spinal assessment, the nurse asks the client to bend forward at the waist. What is the nurse assessing for?
A. Scoliosis
B. Kyphosis
C. Lordosis
D. Flexion strength
A. Scoliosis
Rationale: Forward bending helps detect scoliosis, a lateral curvature of the spine, by observing asymmetry in the shoulders or rib cage.
