All of the following are tarsal bones EXCEPT:

Appeared in: PGICH Noida NO-2025

Explanation

Pisiform is the correct exception as it is a carpal bone, not a tarsal bone.
The carpal bones are the eight small bones that make up the wrist (or carpus) that connects the hand to the forearm.
The pisiform is a small, pea-shaped sesamoid bone located in the proximal row of the carpus, found in the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle.

Option A: This is incorrect because the Talus is a key tarsal bone.
Option B: This is incorrect because the Navicular is a tarsal bone.
Option C: This is incorrect because the Calcaneus is the largest of the tarsal bones.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy of the appendicular skeleton: Tarsal vs. Carpal bones as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate identification of tarsal and carpal bones is fundamental for nurses in orthopedic settings to assess, document, and manage fractures, sprains, and dislocations (e.g., a calcaneal fracture vs. a scaphoid fracture).
Understanding this anatomy helps in recognizing specific signs of injury, such as pain on palpation over the navicular bone, which could indicate a navicular stress fracture, a common injury in athletes.
What if the question asked for the exception among carpal bones and included 'Calcaneus'? The answer would be Calcaneus, as it's a tarsal bone, reversing the logic of the current question.

How to Approach the Question

First, recognize that the keyword 'EXCEPT' makes this a negative question. You are looking for the option that does not belong to the group.
Identify the category mentioned in the stem: 'tarsal bones'.
Recall the names and location of the tarsal bones, which are in the ankle/foot.
Systematically evaluate each option: Is Talus a tarsal bone? Yes. Is Navicular a tarsal bone? Yes. Is Calcaneus a tarsal bone? Yes.
Evaluate the final option: Is Pisiform a tarsal bone? No, it is a carpal bone located in the wrist.
Conclude that Pisiform is the correct answer because it is the exception.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Anatomy of the appendicular skeleton: Tarsal vs. Carpal bones.
Stem keywords: tarsal bones
Lead-in keywords: EXCEPT
Negative lead-in flag: This is a negative-lead-in question, asking you to find the option that does NOT fit the category.

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E6 Physiology Ganong 27e Vol 2 Part 3 p. 31-33

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 270-272

Practise the full PGICH Noida NO-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.