Free Orthopaedic Nursing MCQs with Answers

• A. Checking the patient's appetite each shift
• B. Ensuring the traction weights hang freely
• C. Massaging the skin under the weights
• D. Removing the weights during repositioning

Explanation: Traction is effective only when the weights hang freely and the line of pull remains correct.

• A. Place a pillow between the patient's legs
• B. Allow the patient to cross the legs while sitting
• C. Flex the operated hip beyond a right angle
• D. Turn the patient onto the operated side without support

Explanation: An abduction pillow keeps the hip in proper alignment and helps prevent dislocation.

• A. Keeping the affected leg completely still
• B. Encouraging ankle-pumping exercises as prescribed
• C. Placing a pillow directly behind the knee
• D. Massaging the calf every four hours

Explanation: Ankle-pumping exercises promote venous return and reduce venous stasis when they are permitted by the orthopedic plan.

• A. Place the right foot down briefly with each step
• B. Support body weight through the axillae on the crutches
• C. Move both crutches forward before stepping with the left leg
• D. Keep the crutches about 30 centimetres behind the body

Explanation: For non-weight-bearing ambulation, the patient moves both crutches forward, keeps the right leg off the floor, and then steps with the…

• A. Incisional pain rated 5 out of 10
• B. Numbness and new weakness in both legs
• C. Mild nausea after receiving an opioid
• D. Small amount of clear drainage on the dressing

Explanation: New bilateral weakness and numbness may indicate spinal cord or nerve compression and requires immediate assessment and reporting.

• A. Support the cast with the fingertips until it dries
• B. Use the palms of the hands to support the wet cast
• C. Cover the wet cast with a warm blanket tightly
• D. Insert a sharp object to relieve itching under the cast

Explanation: The palms distribute pressure and help prevent dents in a wet plaster cast.

• A. I will avoid walking to protect my bones
• B. I will remove loose rugs and improve home lighting
• C. I will stop calcium-rich foods because they cause stones
• D. I will bend from the waist when lifting heavy objects

Explanation: Removing fall hazards and improving lighting reduce the risk of fractures in osteoporosis.

• A. Elevate the limb high above the level of the heart
• B. Apply a heating pad over the casted area
• C. Assess distal pulses, sensation and movement
• D. Encourage the patient to sleep through the discomfort

Explanation: Distal pulses, sensation and movement help identify neurovascular compromise associated with compartment syndrome.

• A. Repositioning the patient at planned intervals
• B. Keeping the head of the bed elevated continuously
• C. Using a doughnut ring under the sacrum
• D. Massaging reddened skin over bony areas

Explanation: Regular repositioning relieves prolonged pressure and supports tissue perfusion.

• A. Place the patient in a high-Fowler position and administer oxygen
• B. Encourage the patient to walk to improve circulation
• C. Massage the legs to prevent venous stasis
• D. Give oral fluids and reassess the patient later

Explanation: These findings suggest fat embolism syndrome after a long-bone fracture.

• A. Mild swelling that improves after limb elevation
• B. Pain with passive stretching of the affected muscles
• C. Bruising around the operative wound
• D. Slight warmth near the surgical incision

Explanation: Severe pain with passive muscle stretching is an early and important sign of compartment syndrome.

• A. The weights rest on the floor beside the bed
• B. The ropes are loose around the pulleys
• C. The weights hang freely without touching the bed
• D. The patient removes the weights during meals

Explanation: Traction weights must hang freely so that a continuous, prescribed pulling force is maintained.

• A. Keep the arm immobilised as prescribed and move the fingers regularly
• B. Raise the arm above the head several times each hour
• C. Apply strong massage over the shoulder joint
• D. Remove the sling whenever shoulder pain increases

Explanation: The sling supports the reduced joint while healing begins, and finger movement helps maintain circulation and reduce stiffness.

• A. Pain that worsens after heavy joint use
• B. Symmetrical small-joint stiffness lasting over an hour in the morning
• C. Bony enlargement of a single weight-bearing joint
• D. Pain that improves after a short period of rest

Explanation: Rheumatoid arthritis commonly causes symmetrical inflammatory joint disease with prolonged morning stiffness.

• A. I will take it at bedtime with a glass of milk
• B. I will take it after breakfast with orange juice
• C. I will take it on an empty stomach with plain water and remain upright
• D. I will crush it and mix it with yogurt before swallowing

Explanation: Alendronate is taken with plain water on an empty stomach, and the patient should remain upright to reduce oesophageal irritation.

• A. Twist the shoulders first and then move the hips
• B. Log-roll the body while keeping the spine aligned
• C. Ask the patient to sit up quickly before turning
• D. Pull one leg across the other to start the turn

Explanation: Log-rolling moves the shoulders, trunk and hips together while maintaining spinal alignment.

• A. Move the strong leg, then the walker, then the operated leg
• B. Move the walker, then the operated leg, then the strong leg
• C. Move the operated leg, then the strong leg, then the walker
• D. Move the walker and both legs forward at the same time

Explanation: The patient first advances the walker, then moves the operated or weaker leg into the walker, followed by the stronger leg.

• A. Place it directly under the knee for the whole day
• B. Place it under the ankle or heel to support extension
• C. Place it beneath the operated thigh to keep the knee flexed
• D. Place it between the knees and keep the operated knee bent

Explanation: Supporting the ankle or heel allows the knee to extend and helps prevent a flexion contracture.

• A. Limit oral fluids to reduce the need for assistance
• B. Encourage deep breathing, coughing and prescribed incentive spirometry
• C. Keep the patient flat to maintain fracture alignment
• D. Give a sedative before each turning schedule

Explanation: Immobility and shallow breathing increase the risk of atelectasis and pneumonia.

• A. Capillary refill in the fingers takes four seconds
• B. Mild itching develops beneath the cast
• C. The fingers feel warm and move normally
• D. Slight swelling is present around the cast edge

Explanation: Delayed capillary refill suggests impaired peripheral perfusion and requires prompt reassessment of the cast and neurovascular status.