Free Orthopaedic Nursing MCQs with Answers
50 Orthopaedic Nursing MCQs from Medical Surgical Nursing, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
Covers fractures, dislocations, arthritis, osteoporosis, joint replacement, spinal disorders and complications of immobility. It includes neurovascular assessment, traction and cast care, mobility assistance, pain control, prevention of pressure injuries and deep vein thrombosis, and the difference between compartment syndrome and ordinary postoperative swelling.
Last updated
50 questions · page 3 of 3
- A. Hold the cane in the left hand and move it last
- B. Hold the cane in the right hand and move it with the left leg
- C. Hold the cane in the left hand and move it with the right leg
- D. Hold the cane in the right hand and move it after both legs
Explanation: The cane is held on the stronger, opposite side and is advanced with the affected leg.
Correct answer: Hold the cane in the right hand and move it with the left leg- A. Place the patient flat and notify the surgeon
- B. Encourage walking to improve spinal circulation
- C. Apply a warm dressing and reassess in one hour
- D. Raise the head of the bed and increase oral fluids
Explanation: Clear drainage with a postural headache may indicate cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
Correct answer: Place the patient flat and notify the surgeon43. Which position is most appropriate for a patient with ankylosing spondylitis who is resting in bed?
- A. A prolonged flexed position with pillows under the knees
- B. A prone position for periods as tolerated
- C. A side-lying position with the spine sharply curved
- D. A sitting position with the neck continuously flexed
Explanation: Prone positioning, when tolerated, helps reduce progressive flexion deformity and supports spinal extension.
Correct answer: A prone position for periods as tolerated- A. It prevents all movement of the operated leg
- B. It reduces excessive hip flexion during toileting
- C. It strengthens the hip muscles without exercise
- D. It prevents infection of the surgical wound
Explanation: A raised toilet seat helps keep the hip from flexing beyond the prescribed limit, reducing stress on the healing joint and the risk of…
Correct answer: It reduces excessive hip flexion during toileting- A. Inspect the surgical dressing for drainage
- B. Assess the level of sedation and oxygenation
- C. Ask when the patient last passed stool
- D. Measure the circumference of the affected limb
Explanation: A slow respiratory rate with nausea may indicate opioid-induced central nervous system and respiratory depression.
Correct answer: Assess the level of sedation and oxygenation- A. Keep the joints in one comfortable position
- B. Perform prescribed passive range-of-motion exercises
- C. Massage reddened areas over bony prominences
- D. Restrict fluid intake before physiotherapy
Explanation: Regular prescribed passive range-of-motion exercises maintain joint mobility when the patient cannot move independently.
Correct answer: Perform prescribed passive range-of-motion exercises- A. I will smoke less until the fracture is healed
- B. I will avoid protein to reduce inflammation
- C. I will follow the weight-bearing plan and eat a balanced diet
- D. I will stop follow-up visits when the pain decreases
Explanation: Following the prescribed weight-bearing plan and consuming adequate protein, calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients support healing.
Correct answer: I will follow the weight-bearing plan and eat a balanced diet- A. A history of peptic ulcer bleeding
- B. Mild stiffness after waking
- C. Pain that improves with rest
- D. A preference for warm compresses
Explanation: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and increase the risk of ulceration and bleeding.
Correct answer: A history of peptic ulcer bleeding- A. Assist the patient back to a safe lying position
- B. Continue the transfer so the patient adapts
- C. Ask the patient to walk quickly to the chair
- D. Give a sedative before attempting the transfer again
Explanation: Pallor, dizziness, and sweating suggest poor tolerance of the position, possibly from orthostatic hypotension or reduced circulating…
Correct answer: Assist the patient back to a safe lying position- A. Place a footboard at the end of the bed and encourage ankle dorsiflexion
- B. Keep the affected foot pointed downward with a pillow under the heel
- C. Limit ankle movement until the fracture is completely united
- D. Place a pillow under the calf so the toes remain lower than the heel
Explanation: A footboard supports the feet in a neutral position, while dorsiflexion exercises maintain ankle movement and muscle length.
Correct answer: Place a footboard at the end of the bed and encourage ankle dorsiflexion