Musculoskeletal MCQs for Nursing Exams

Answer: A. Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Fat emboli usually result in symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome, such as apprehension, chest pain, cyanosis, dyspnea, tachypnea, tachycardia, and decreased partial pressure of arterial oxygen resulting from poor oxygen exchange. Migraine-like headaches are not a symptom of a fat embolism, but mental confusion, memory loss, and a headache from poor oxygen exchange may be seen with central nervous system involvement. Numbness in the right leg is a peripheral neurovascular response that most likely is related to the femoral fracture. Muscle spasms in the right thigh are a symptom of a neuromuscular response affecting the local muscle around the femoral fracture site.

Answer: C. Fracture shaft of femur

Gallows (Bryant's) traction is used for fracture shaft of femur in children under 2 years.

Answer: D. Localized bone pain, warmth and fever

Bone infection causes localized pain, tenderness, warmth and systemic signs such as fever.

Answer: B. Applying a cold pack to the injured site

Most pain can be relieved by elevating the involved part, applying cold packs, and administering analgesics as prescribed. Heat may exacerbate the pain by increasing blood circulation, and ROM exercises would likely be painful. Analgesia is likely necessary, but NSAIDs would be more appropriate than opioids.

Answer: C. Psoriatic arthritis

Some patients with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. (Source: https://medlineplus.gov/psoriasis.html)