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DHA Musculoskeletal, Skin & Wound Care Nursing Practice Questions
What this topic covers
Fractures, casts and traction, compartment syndrome, joint replacement, pressure injuries and wound assessment.
Free DHA musculoskeletal, skin & wound care nursing questions
- Elevate the leg on pillows above heart level to reduce swelling
- Keep the leg dependent to improve circulation
- Cover the wet cast with a plastic sheet
- Rest the cast on a hard surface to shape it
Show answer and rationale
Answer: A. Elevate the leg on pillows above heart level to reduce swelling
Elevation reduces oedema; a wet plaster cast is handled with palms (not fingertips), left uncovered to dry, and supported on pillows to avoid dents.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – cast care
- It dissolves existing crystals within hours
- It relieves acute pain like an opioid
- It increases uric acid production
- It reduces the production of uric acid
Show answer and rationale
Answer: D. It reduces the production of uric acid
Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that lowers uric acid production for long-term prevention; it is not used to relieve acute pain.
Reference: Standard nursing pharmacology – allopurinol
- Two to three finger-widths between the axilla and the top of the crutch
- The crutch pad presses firmly into the axilla
- The crutch tips are placed directly beside the heels
- The elbows are completely straight when holding the handgrips
Show answer and rationale
Answer: A. Two to three finger-widths between the axilla and the top of the crutch
There should be a gap of about 2–3 finger-widths below the axilla and the elbows flexed about 15–30 degrees; weight is borne on the hands to avoid nerve damage in the axilla.
Reference: Potter & Perry – crutch walking
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 4
- Stage 3
Show answer and rationale
Answer: B. Stage 2
Stage 2 is partial-thickness loss with exposed dermis; it may also appear as an intact or ruptured serum-filled blister.
Reference: NPIAP pressure injury staging
- The skin is warm and dry
- The skin is smooth and elastic
- The skin stays tented after being pinched
- The skin springs back immediately
Show answer and rationale
Answer: C. The skin stays tented after being pinched
Slow return of pinched skin suggests fluid deficit; turgor is best tested over the sternum or forearm, and is less reliable in older adults.
Reference: Potter & Perry – skin assessment
Questions are written with AI assistance. About 10% (150+) have been reviewed by a licensed nurse so far, and more are reviewed every month. Practice questions are for study only and may contain mistakes; verify with official study guides from your destination country. Report a question
Study tip
Pain out of proportion and pain on passive stretch suggest compartment syndrome; it is an emergency.
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