Musculoskeletal Flashcards
(95 cards)
Intervertebral Disc Disease
A common condition characterized by the breakdown (degeneration) of one or more of the discs that separate the bones of the spine (vertebrae), causing pain in the back or neck and frequently in the legs and arms.
Osteomalacia
a disorder of “bone softening” in adults that is usually due to prolonged deficiency of vitamin D.
Osteoporosis Pathophysiology
Fragile, porous bones
Big holes inside bones, loss of bone mass results in low bone density and very brittle bones
Body is making too little bone, calcium leaves the bone and goes into the bloodstream
Osteoporosis Causes and risk factors
Female Gender
Old age
Postmenopausal
Caucasian and asian
Osteoporosis Bad Habits
Excess caffeine intake
Smoking or alcohol abuse
Osteoporosis Diseases
Hyperparathyroidism
Increases in PTH
Puts the calcium high in the blood
Cushing Syndrome - High steroids in the body which decreases the bone density
Diabetes Miletus
Which off the following medications can increase their risk for development of osteoporosis?
Prednisone
Which disease has an increase chance of occurrence in a 60 year old postmenopausal patient?
Osteoporosis
What are the risk factors for osteoporosis
Steroid use
High intake of caffeine
Being white or asian women
Postmenopausal sate
Anticonvulsant therapy for seizure disorders
Osteoporosis Signs and Symptoms
Frequent fractures
Reduced heigh
Kyphosis (round back, curving of upper back)
Osteoporosis Treatment and Education
Vitamin D and Calcium supplements (vitamin D helps calcium to absorb)
Go outside in the sun
Activity: Weight bearing exercises
Frequent ambulation
Fall precautions: provide rubber mats in showers
Well lit halls
Not throw rugs*
Stop Bad habits
Stop smoking
Decrease Caffeine intake
A nurse is providing education for a client who is at risk for osteoporosis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Walk for 30 minutes, 4 times a week
Which interventions should the nurse implement while providing care for an elderly female patient with osteoporosis?
Encourage frequent ambulation
Provide rubber mats in the shower
Encourage weight bearing exercises
Encourage the patient to stop smoking
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Autoimmune disorder where body attacks itself
Mainly attacks joints causing inflammation usually seen in the joints of the hands
Can involve the skin, eyes and lungs
What is the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease and osteoarthritis is not
Rheumatoid arthritis Diagnosis
Can be very difficult to diagnosis since early signs and symptoms mimic those of many other diseases
Xrays and MRI
Synovial fluid aspiration
Arthoscopy
Blood test
RF - rheumatoid factor
ESR - erythrocyte sedimentation rate
CRP - C-reactvie protein
Rheumatoid arthritis Signs and Symptoms
Early signs: Fatigue, anorexia (weight loss) and morning pain and stiffness
Symmetrical pain and swelling in the small joints of the hands
Fingers: Swan-neck and a boutonniere deformity
Contractors of joints = High priority
Joint pain:
Pain relief with activity
More pain at rest
Suspected rheumatoid arthritis. The nurse would expect to note which early signs and symptoms
Fatigue
Morning stiffness
Rheumatoid arthritis Education
Pain control - Assess pain levels
Do NOT elevate the knees with pillows at night
Exercise (low impact)
Swimming
heat and cold to affected joints
Warm shower or bath before bed
A nurse is assessing a client who has a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following non-pharamacological interventions could the nurse suggest to help reduce pain
Alternate applying heat and cold to the affected joints
Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a client diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and reporting generalized pain?
Assist the client with heat application and range of motion exercises
Rheumatoid arthritis Pharmacology
NSAIDS
Prednisone
Both decrease swelling
Methotrexate given to help the body to stop attacking itself
Methotrexate
Mainly given for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis swell as certain types of cancer
Stops folic acid metabolism which stops cellular reproduction
MethNOOOtrexate
No pregnant clients
No client crowds or live vaccines to avoid infection
No razors or brushing teeth hard - huge bleed risk with those low platelets
Methotrexate, what does it suppress
B and T lymphocytes
Suppresses white blood cells