Medical-Surgical Nursing: Orthopedic Rehabilitation Practice Questions
Test yourself on Orthopedic Rehabilitation 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 beginning rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty. Which goal best reflects early safe mobility?
Explanation. Early rehabilitation after knee arthroplasty usually emphasizes ordered mobility progression, safe use of assistive devices, pain control, and fall prevention. Bed rest and unsupervised walking increase complication risk.
2. The nurse is reinforcing crutch teaching for a client with partial weight-bearing status. Which statement indicates correct understanding?
Explanation. Partial weight bearing means the client follows the prescribed limit and uses hands and assistive devices for support. Weight on the axillae can injure nerves, and weight-bearing status should not be changed without direction.
3. A client recovering from a hip fracture repair says, "I do not want to get out of bed because I might fall." Which nursing response is most appropriate?
Explanation. Rehabilitation balances mobility with safety. Reviewing the plan, using ordered assistive devices, and asking for help support confidence while reducing fall risk.
4. During a rehabilitation session, a client after orthopedic surgery becomes pale and reports dizziness while standing. What should the nurse do first?
Explanation. Pallor and dizziness during mobilization may indicate orthostatic hypotension, anemia, medication effect, or poor activity tolerance. Immediate safety and assessment come before continuing activity.
5. The nurse is teaching home safety to a client using a walker after orthopedic surgery. Which instruction is most appropriate?
Explanation. Home safety teaching includes reducing tripping hazards, improving lighting, keeping pathways clear, and planning item placement. Clients using walkers need hands free and stable surfaces.
6. A client in orthopedic rehabilitation reports new calf pain and swelling in the operative leg. Which action is the priority?
Explanation. New calf pain, swelling, warmth, chest pain, or shortness of breath can signal venous thromboembolism. The nurse should assess and escalate rather than massage or ignore the finding.
7. Which instruction best supports safe stair use for a client prescribed a cane after lower-extremity surgery?
Explanation. Stair technique depends on the prescribed device, weight-bearing status, and therapist instruction. Handrail use and the taught sequence reduce fall risk.
8. A client asks why ankle pumps are still ordered during rehabilitation after hip surgery. Which explanation is best?
Explanation. Ankle pumps can support venous return and are commonly part of postoperative mobility and clot-prevention teaching. They do not replace ordered medications or evaluation of concerning symptoms.
9. The nurse is evaluating readiness for discharge after orthopedic rehabilitation. Which finding needs follow-up before discharge?
Explanation. Safe transfer and assistive-device use are core discharge readiness issues. Inability to demonstrate safe mobility increases fall and injury risk and needs further teaching or planning.
10. A client with a repaired ankle fracture is frustrated that weight-bearing restrictions remain in place. What is the best nursing response?
Explanation. Weight-bearing restrictions are prescribed to protect healing structures. Nursing support includes education, safe mobility strategies, and reinforcement of the rehabilitation plan.
11. The nurse observes a client using a walker by lifting it high, stepping too close to the front bar, and leaning forward. Which intervention is best?
Explanation. Incorrect walker use can increase fall risk. The nurse should pause the activity, provide teaching, and ensure the client can demonstrate the safer technique.
12. A client in rehabilitation after shoulder surgery reports tingling in the fingers and increasing hand swelling while wearing an immobilizer. Which action is most appropriate?
Explanation. Tingling and swelling can indicate neurovascular compromise or an overly tight device. The nurse assesses neurovascular status and device fit and escalates findings according to protocol.
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FAQ
What orthopedic rehabilitation topics are high yield for NCLEX med-surg?
High-yield topics include assistive device safety, weight-bearing restrictions, transfer teaching, fall prevention, early mobility, activity tolerance, venous thromboembolism warning signs, home safety, discharge readiness, and neurovascular checks.
How should I prioritize orthopedic rehabilitation questions?
Prioritize safety, circulation, breathing, neurologic status, and new or worsening symptoms. Dizziness during ambulation, calf pain or swelling, shortness of breath, tingling, swelling, or unsafe device use usually needs prompt assessment.
Are these orthopedic rehabilitation questions clinical advice?
No. These are original NCLEX-style study questions for exam preparation only. Actual rehabilitation plans and patient care decisions require licensed clinicians and local protocols.