AUTOIMMUNE VS DEGENERATIVE
This disease causes symmetrical joint pain and morning stiffness lasting >1 hour.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Elevated uric acid levels are most associated with this condition.
Gout
Priority intervention for a patient with a rib fracture to prevent complications.
Encourage deep breathing / incentive spirometer
Most common complication of rib fractures in older adults.
Pneumonia
Patient presents with red, swollen, extremely painful big toe after eating red meat and alcohol.
Gout
This condition is caused by “wear and tear” of cartilage, usually affecting weight-bearing joints.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Positive rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies indicate this disease.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
MOST important bedside item for a patient with a wired jaw.
Wire cutters at bedside
Severe complication of fractures involving increased pressure in a muscle compartment.
Compartment syndrome
Patient reports joint stiffness improving with rest, affecting knees and hips.
Osteoarthritis
This autoimmune disease commonly presents with a butterfly rash and multi-system involvement.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
This diagnostic procedure confirms osteomyelitis by obtaining a bone sample.
Bone biopsy
First priority when assessing for compartment syndrome.
Pain out of proportion
Major risk in patients with lupus due to organ involvement.
Kidney failure (lupus nephritis)
Patient has fatigue, joint pain, and butterfly rash after sun exposure.
Lupus
This condition presents with widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue but no inflammation on labs.
Fibromyalgia
ESR and CRP are typically elevated in this autoimmune inflammatory condition affecting joints.
RA or Lupus (accept either; RA preferred if joint-specific)
Priority intervention for osteomyelitis.
Long-term IV antibiotics
Serious complication of osteomyelitis if untreated.
Sepsis
Patient reports chronic widespread pain, poor sleep, and normal lab results.
Fibromyalgia
This condition involves bone density loss, increasing risk of fractures without pain until injury occurs.
Osteoporosis
This disease often shows decreased calcium absorption and low bone mineral density on DEXA scan.
Osteoporosis
Priority nursing action after an amputation.
Monitor for infection and manage pain (phantom pain included)
Major complication after dislocation if not treated promptly.
Neurovascular compromise
Patient with cast reports severe pain and numbness not relieved by medication.
Compartment syndrome