NCLEX : Musculoskeletal Condition Follow-Up

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Musculoskeletal Condition Follow Up

Lambert-Eaton syndrome is associated with what malignancy?

Possible Answers:

Melanoma

Colon cancer

Gastric carcinoma

Small cell lung cancer

Correct answer:

Small cell lung cancer

Explanation:
Approximately 60% of individuals with Lambert- Eaton syndrome have small cell lung cancer. The onset of Lambert-Eaton symptoms often precedes the detection of the cancer and should be followed up with radiographic imaging of the chest.

Example Question #351 : Conditions And Treatments

A post-menopausal female client presents to the client after being newly diagnosed with osteoporosis. The client is here to discuss with the nurse what type of lifestyle modifications she will need to treat the disease. 

Which of the following should the nurse include when educating the client?

Possible Answers:

Engage in low impact exercises

Start a low carbohydrate high protein diet

Lose 10 pounds

Quit smoking

Drink one glass of wine with dinner 

Correct answer:

Quit smoking

Explanation:

Smoking and alcohol ingestion are risk factors for developing osteopenia or osteoporosis. These activities should be discontinued to help prevent against bone loss. Diet and exercise are important factors, but losing 10 pounds or low impact exercise will not increase bone mass. 

Example Question #3 : Musculoskeletal Condition Follow Up

The nurse cares for a 16-year-old patient in the emergency department. He has returned to the hospital after having a fiberglass cast applied to his right ulna from a fracture the day before. Which of the following manifestations in the patient should most concern the nurse?

Possible Answers:

Itching under the cast

Capillary refill of 3 seconds in the right fingertips

Warm fingers and palm in the right hand

Pain in the right shoulder

Severe pain in the right arm

Correct answer:

Severe pain in the right arm

Explanation:

The nurse should be aware of potential complications of cast placement, such as compartment syndrome, which can cause nervous, vascular, and muscle damage. Signs and symptoms include tingling distal to the cast placement, severe pain in the casted region, swelling in the cast and distal to the casted region, pallor in the affected region, and muscle weakness. These signs and symptoms would indicate immediate cast removal to prevent further damage to the tissue. Itching under the cast is common and expected, and pain in supporting shoulder of the arm can occur due to the increased weight and positioning of the cast. 3 seconds for capillary refill is within normal limits; extended time for capillary refill in the distal region would be concerning. Warmth in the hand and fingers distal for the casted region would indicate normal circulation as well, but congestion and swelling in the extremity would be worrisome.

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