A nurse is performing a nursing assessment of a client suspected of having a musculoskeletal disorder. Which assessment should the nurse prioritize for a client who has a musculoskeletal disorder?
Range of motion
Activities of daily living
Gait
Strength
The Correct Answer is A
A. Range of motion: Assessing range of motion helps identify limitations, joint stiffness, or contractures, which are common in musculoskeletal disorders. It provides valuable information about joint flexibility and functional impairment, making it a priority in the musculoskeletal assessment.
B. Activities of daily living: Evaluating a client’s ability to perform activities of daily living is important for understanding the impact of a musculoskeletal disorder. However, it is more of a functional outcome measure and not the most immediate physical assessment priority.
C. Gait: Gait assessment is useful in identifying balance or coordination problems, but it may not be feasible in clients with pain, weakness, or immobility. It’s important, but secondary to evaluating joint function and movement capacity.
D. Strength: Muscle strength assessment is key in musculoskeletal evaluations, especially for detecting atrophy or nerve involvement. However, range of motion testing should precede strength testing to ensure safe and pain-free movement of joints.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This client may be developing compartment syndrome, a medical emergency characterized by increased pressure within a confined space, which can lead to permanent nerve and muscle damage. Immediate assessment is essential to prevent ischemia or tissue loss.
B. Discharge planning can be addressed after higher-priority needs are met. This client is stable and not showing signs of acute complications, making this a non-urgent concern compared to a potential compartment syndrome.
C. While assisting with meals supports client comfort and nutrition, it is a routine task. This client is not experiencing an emergent issue and can safely wait until more urgent needs are addressed.
D. Not all client needs carry the same urgency. Prioritization is essential in nursing care, especially when one client exhibits signs of a possible limb-threatening complication such as compartment syndrome.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Vitamin B12: While vitamin B12 is important for nerve function and red blood cell production, it does not play a significant role in bone mineralization or osteoporosis prevention.
B. Potassium: Potassium may help reduce calcium loss in the urine and support general health, but it is not considered a primary nutrient in osteoporosis prevention strategies.
C. Calcitonin: While calcitonin is a hormone involved in calcium regulation, it is not a dietary nutrient that older adults consume to prevent osteoporosis.
D. Calcium, Vitamin D: Calcium is essential for bone structure, and Vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption in the intestines. Adequate intake of both is critical in maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis in older adults.
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