Medical-Surgical Nursing: Orthopedic Postoperative Care Practice Questions
Test yourself on Orthopedic Postoperative Care 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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Answer the questions below — you get instant feedback and a full explanation for each.
1. A client is 4 hours postoperative after open reduction and internal fixation of a tibia fracture. Which assessment finding should the nurse report promptly?
Explanation. Increasing pain with numbness and delayed capillary refill can indicate impaired circulation or evolving compartment syndrome. Neurovascular changes after orthopedic surgery require prompt escalation.
2. The nurse is teaching a client after total hip arthroplasty with posterior hip precautions. Which statement indicates correct understanding?
Explanation. Common posterior hip precautions include avoiding hip flexion beyond the ordered limit, adduction, and internal rotation. Raised seats and avoiding leg crossing reduce dislocation risk when these precautions are prescribed.
3. A client returns from total knee arthroplasty with a continuous passive motion device prescribed. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
Explanation. The nurse verifies prescribed device settings, maintains alignment, and monitors pain, skin, and neurovascular status. Positioning and exercise plans should follow orders and facility protocol.
4. The nurse is prioritizing care for four postoperative orthopedic clients. Which client should be assessed first?
Explanation. Sudden shortness of breath and chest pain may indicate pulmonary embolism or another urgent complication. Airway and breathing concerns outrank routine comfort and nonurgent requests.
5. A client after spinal fusion reports new weakness in both legs. What is the nurse's priority action?
Explanation. New motor weakness after spine surgery is a neurologic red flag. Focused assessment and prompt escalation support early recognition of complications.
6. The nurse is teaching a client after orthopedic surgery about venous thromboembolism prevention. Which instruction is most appropriate?
Explanation. Postoperative orthopedic clients are at risk for venous thromboembolism. Ordered compression, ankle pumps, mobility progression, hydration if allowed, and reporting unilateral calf pain or shortness of breath are important.
7. A client has a new external fixator after fracture repair. Which finding requires follow-up?
Explanation. Redness, warmth, drainage, odor, fever, or increasing pain at pin sites can indicate infection. External fixator care includes monitoring pin sites and device stability.
8. The nurse is reinforcing transfer teaching for a client after hip arthroplasty. Which action best supports safety?
Explanation. Safe transfers after hip surgery use ordered precautions, assistive devices, slow movement, and help as needed. Twisting, leg crossing, and unstable furniture increase fall or dislocation risk.
9. A client is postoperative after knee replacement and has a patient-controlled analgesia pump. Which finding requires immediate nursing action?
Explanation. Opioid analgesia can cause respiratory depression and sedation. A very low respiratory rate with difficult arousal requires immediate assessment and intervention according to protocol.
10. Which laboratory trend is most important for the nurse to report after major orthopedic surgery?
Explanation. Major orthopedic procedures can involve blood loss. A falling hemoglobin with tachycardia, dizziness, hypotension, or pallor suggests symptomatic anemia or bleeding risk that needs prompt follow-up.
11. The nurse is planning discharge teaching after rotator cuff repair. Which instruction is most appropriate?
Explanation. Postoperative shoulder repair teaching includes prescribed immobilizer use, incision protection, therapy follow-up, and reporting neurovascular changes, swelling, fever, drainage, or uncontrolled pain.
12. A client after lumbar laminectomy asks how to get out of bed. Which instruction is best?
Explanation. Logrolling and maintaining spinal alignment reduce twisting and bending stress after lumbar surgery. The client should use safe body mechanics and assistance as needed.
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FAQ
What orthopedic postoperative care topics are high yield for NCLEX med-surg?
High-yield topics include neurovascular checks, compartment syndrome cues, hip precautions, knee replacement care, spine surgery neurologic red flags, external fixator pin site assessment, pain medication safety, bleeding risk, venous thromboembolism prevention, safe transfers, and discharge teaching.
How should I prioritize postoperative orthopedic questions?
Prioritize airway, breathing, circulation, neurologic status, and limb perfusion. Sudden chest pain or shortness of breath, new weakness, delayed capillary refill, numbness, severe unrelieved pain, or oversedation usually outrank routine teaching.
Are these orthopedic postoperative care questions clinical advice?
No. These are original NCLEX-style study questions for exam preparation only. Actual care decisions require licensed healthcare professionals and local policies.