Musculoskeletal Assessment Quiz Questions And Answers

There are 12 thoracic vertebrae in a human body. The thoracic vertebrae are located in the middle region of the spine, between the cervical vertebrae (neck) and the lumbar vertebrae (lower back). These vertebrae are larger and stronger than the cervical vertebrae and have specific features that allow them to connect with the ribs. The 12 thoracic vertebrae provide support and protection to the organs in the chest and help with the movement of the upper body.

When inspecting and palpating the sternoclavicular joint, a normal finding would not include painful joints. Painful joints indicate an abnormality or inflammation in the joint. Therefore, the nurse would expect to find no visible bony overgrowths, no swelling, and no redness, but painful joints would be considered an abnormal finding.

While observing gait, arm position is not typically inspected because it does not directly affect the individual's walking pattern or stability. The focus is primarily on the base of support, posture, and weight-bearing stability, as these factors play a crucial role in analyzing and assessing gait abnormalities or functional limitations. Arm position may be relevant in specific cases, such as when assessing upper limb function or coordination, but it is not a primary consideration when observing gait.

An abnormal finding when testing the range of motion would be a lack of full contraction with cranial nerve V. Cranial nerve V, also known as the trigeminal nerve, is responsible for sensory information from the face and motor control of the muscles involved in chewing. If there is a lack of full contraction with this nerve, it suggests a dysfunction or impairment in the motor control of the muscles innervated by cranial nerve V.

Falling backward is a characteristic symptom of Parkinson's Disease. This condition affects the brain's ability to control movement, leading to instability and a tendency to fall backwards. Other symptoms of Parkinson's Disease include tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. While cervical spondylosis, arthritis, and scoliosis can also cause balance issues, falling backward is specifically associated with Parkinson's Disease.

The Nudge Test is performed when assessing for the risk of falling. This test involves gently pushing or nudging a person to assess their balance and stability. If the person is unable to maintain their balance or is easily pushed off balance, it indicates an increased risk of falling. This test helps healthcare professionals evaluate a person's ability to maintain their balance and prevent falls.

The correct answer is snapping and clicking and jaw protrudes and retracts easily. Snapping and clicking in the temporomandibular joint can be considered normal as long as it is not accompanied by pain or limited jaw movement. This can occur due to the movement of the disc within the joint. Jaw protrusion and retraction refers to the ability to move the jaw forward and backward easily without any difficulty or discomfort. These findings indicate normal functioning of the temporomandibular joint. Decreased range of motion, swelling, tenderness, and decreased muscle strength are not considered normal findings.

Ligaments are tough, fibrous connective tissues that connect bones to other bones in joints. Their primary function is to restrict the amount of movement between the bones they connect. They provide stability and support to the joints by limiting excessive motion and preventing dislocation or injury. Ligaments act as passive restraints, ensuring that the bones stay in proper alignment and preventing excessive or abnormal movement that could lead to damage or instability. Therefore, the correct answer is that ligaments restrict the amount of movement.

To test the range of motion, the nurse should have the client clench their teeth. This action helps assess the movement and flexibility of the jaw muscles and joints. By clenching the teeth, the nurse can observe if there is any pain, discomfort, or limitations in the client's ability to perform this action. It also helps evaluate the strength and coordination of the jaw muscles. This test is important in assessing any potential issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or other jaw-related problems.

When inspecting the sternoclavicular joint, the nurse is looking for color changes, swelling, and masses. Color changes may indicate inflammation or infection. Swelling can be a sign of injury or inflammation in the joint. The presence of masses could indicate a tumor or abnormal growth. By assessing these factors, the nurse can gather information about the condition of the sternoclavicular joint and identify any abnormalities or potential issues.