Fundamentals of Nursing: Mobility (Fundamentals of Nursing) Practice Questions
Test yourself on Mobility (Fundamentals of Nursing) with 12 original NCLEX-RN practice questions. Pick an answer to see instant feedback and a full explanation.
Free original practice questions for study purposes. Open Exam Prep is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the makers of NCLEX-RN.
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1. A nurse is caring for a client on prolonged bed rest. Which assessment finding is the EARLIEST indicator of a hazard of immobility related to the musculoskeletal system?
Explanation. Decreased joint range of motion (early contracture/stiffening) is among the earliest musculoskeletal hazards of immobility and can begin within days. Pressure injuries, DVT, and renal calculi are complications but develop later or involve other systems. Early ROM exercises help prevent contractures.
2. A nurse is repositioning a client and uses a draw sheet with another staff member. What is the primary purpose of using a draw sheet for moving a client up in bed?
Explanation. A draw sheet lifts rather than drags the client, reducing friction and shearing forces that damage skin and contribute to pressure injuries. It does not promote independence and its purpose is patient safety, not linen hygiene.
3. A nurse is teaching a client to use crutches with a three-point gait. Which instruction is correct?
Explanation. In a three-point gait (used when one leg cannot bear full weight), the client advances both crutches and the affected/weaker leg together, then bears weight on the crutches while stepping through with the stronger leg. Weight should be on the hands, NOT the axillae, to avoid brachial nerve injury.
4. A nurse positions a client in the high-Fowler's position. The head of the bed is elevated to approximately what degree?
Explanation. High-Fowler's elevates the head of bed 60–90 degrees, promoting maximal lung expansion—useful for dyspnea or eating. Semi-Fowler's is about 30–45 degrees, and low-Fowler's about 15–30 degrees.
5. A client has left-sided hemiparesis after a stroke. When assisting the client to walk with a cane, the nurse instructs the client to hold the cane in which hand and advance it how?
Explanation. The cane is held on the STRONG (right) side. The cane and the weak (left) leg advance together so the cane provides support to the affected side; then the strong leg steps forward. Holding the cane on the weak side defeats the purpose of support.
6. A nurse is performing passive range-of-motion exercises for an immobile client. Which action by the nurse requires correction?
Explanation. ROM should be performed to the point of resistance but NOT past the point of pain, as forcing motion can cause injury. Supporting the joint, moving slowly, and repeating several times are all correct techniques.
7. A nurse caring for a client on bed rest wants to prevent venous thromboembolism. Which intervention is MOST appropriate to include?
Explanation. Sequential compression devices plus active ankle/leg exercises promote venous return and prevent VTE. Massaging the calves could dislodge a clot; pillows under the knees impede venous return; and remaining in one position promotes stasis.
8. A nurse is assessing a client's gait and notes a shuffling, propulsive walk with short steps and difficulty stopping. This gait pattern is most characteristic of which condition?
Explanation. A festinating (propulsive) gait—stooped posture, short shuffling steps, and difficulty stopping—is classic for Parkinson's disease. Cerebellar ataxia produces a wide-based unsteady gait, and foot drop produces a high-stepping gait.
9. A nurse is teaching proper body mechanics to nursing assistants. Which statement indicates a need for further teaching?
Explanation. Twisting at the waist while lifting is improper and a common cause of back injury; the person should pivot the whole body and move the feet instead. Bending at the knees, keeping loads close, and using a wide base of support are all correct body mechanics.
10. A client who has been immobile is being assisted to a standing position for the first time. The client reports dizziness and lightheadedness. What should the nurse do FIRST?
Explanation. Dizziness on standing suggests orthostatic hypotension, common with immobility. The nurse should immediately return the client to a sitting/lying position to prevent a fall, then reassess. Continuing to ambulate risks syncope and injury.
11. A nurse identifies that an immobile client is at risk for hypostatic pneumonia. Which intervention best addresses this respiratory hazard of immobility?
Explanation. Immobility causes pooling of secretions and decreased lung expansion, raising the risk of hypostatic pneumonia and atelectasis. Coughing, deep breathing, and repositioning mobilize secretions and expand the lungs. Fluids should be encouraged (unless contraindicated), and keeping the client flat worsens pooling.
12. A nurse is preparing to transfer a client with right-sided weakness from the bed to a wheelchair. Where should the nurse position the wheelchair?
Explanation. The wheelchair should be placed on the client's strong (left) side at about a 45-degree angle to the bed so the client can lead and pivot with the stronger limbs. Locking the wheels is also essential for safety.
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FAQ
What are the key hazards of immobility I must memorize for the NCLEX?
Group complications by body system: musculoskeletal (contractures, muscle atrophy, osteoporosis), cardiovascular (orthostatic hypotension, DVT/VTE, increased cardiac workload), respiratory (atelectasis, hypostatic pneumonia), integumentary (pressure injuries), GI (constipation), GU (urinary stasis, renal calculi, infection), and psychosocial (depression, disorientation). Knowing the system helps you pick the right prevention intervention.
How do I remember cane and crutch teaching points?
For a cane, use COAL: Cane Opposite Affected Leg—hold the cane on the strong side and advance it with the weak leg. For crutches, weight goes on the hands, never the axillae, to prevent nerve damage. When going UP stairs, lead with the strong ("good") leg; going DOWN, lead with the weak ("bad") leg and crutches—remember 'up with the good, down with the bad.'
What body-mechanics principles appear most often on the exam?
Use a wide base of support, bend at the knees (not the waist) using large leg muscles, keep the load close to your center of gravity, avoid twisting (pivot your feet instead), and use assistive devices/extra staff when needed. Answer choices that involve twisting, lifting with the back, or holding loads away from the body are usually wrong.