Osteomyelitis Flashcards
What is osteomyelitis?
It is a bacterial infection of the bone and soft tissue surrounding the bone. S. aureus is the most common infecting organism with MRSA infections on the rise
How is osteomyelitis transmitted?
Osteomyelitis is acquired hematogenously (spread through the blood). Bacteria from the bloodstream mainly invade the most rapidly growing portion of the bone. The invading bacteria trigger an inflammatory response, formation of pus and edema, and vascular congestion. Small blood vessels thrombose and the infection extends into the metaphyseal marrow cavity. As the infection progresses the inflammation extends throughout the bone and blood supply is disrupted, resulting in death of the bone tissues
What are the treatments?
- 4 to 6 weeks of antibiotics
- surgical debridements (rarely necessary)
- Administer antipyretics as ordered if the child is febrile in the initial stage of the illness
- pain meds
What are the s/s?
- irritability
- lethargic
- possible fever
- child refuses to walk and demonstrates decreased range of motion in the affected extremity.
- swelling on the affected extremity
- warmth and tenderness on affected area
What are the complications?
bone destruction, fracture, and growth arrest. Additional complications include recurrent infection, septic arthritis, and systemic infection
What are the risk factors?
- impetigo
- infected varicella lesions
- furunculosis
- recent trauma
- infected burns
- prolonged IV line use
Labs and Diagnostic Tests
elevated white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein level,
positive blood cultures,
deep soft tissue swelling on radiography,
changes on ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI
Nursing management
- pain management
- bed rest to prevent injury and promote comfort
- Encourage the use of unaffected extremities by providing developmentally appropriate toys and games. Instruct the child and family on safe and proper use of crutches or walker if prescribed.
