MUSCULOSKELETAL BASICS
These weight-bearing activities help increase bone density by stimulating osteoblast activity in people with osteoporosis.
“What are weight-bearing exercises?”
After a total hip replacement, sudden severe chest pain, restlessness, and shortness of breath (with a low O₂ sat) may point to this emergency.
“What is a pulmonary embolism (PE)?”
This chronic inflammatory disorder of the joints is characterized by morning stiffness, symmetrical joint involvement, and systemic effects like fatigue.
“What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?”
Patients with osteoarthritis should not exceed the recommended daily doses of this analgesic to avoid liver toxicity.
“What is acetaminophen?”
For a client with osteoporosis living alone, removing throw rugs and ensuring adequate lighting help prevent these incidents.
“What are falls (leading to fractures)?”
In older adults, it is normal to observe joint stiffness and a decreased range of motion as part of this system’s natural aging process.
“What is the musculoskeletal system?”
A dangerously high pressure within a muscle compartment can lead to this condition, requiring immediate intervention to prevent permanent tissue damage.
“What is compartment syndrome?”
In osteoarthritis, many clients notice this pattern in joint pain: it worsens when resting and improves with gentle activity.
“What is pain that decreases with movement?”
This medication is administered IV for osteomyelitis but requires careful monitoring of serum creatinine levels, especially if contrast imaging is ordered.
“What is daptomycin?”
When cleaning a wound, pale red or pinkish drainage is documented with this term.
“What is serosanguinous drainage?”
A positive Tinel’s sign at the wrist—tingling or numbness when the median nerve is tapped—suggests this condition.
“What is carpal tunnel syndrome?”
A client in a new cast complaining of severe, unrelieved pain requires immediate nurse action before elevating the limb or applying ice.
“What is checking neurovascular status and notifying the provider?”
A malar (“butterfly”) rash, oral ulcers, and triggers like sun exposure and stress are commonly associated with this autoimmune disorder.
“What is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?”
Opioid analgesics used for musculoskeletal injuries require priority monitoring of this life-threatening adverse effect.
“What is respiratory depression?”
Wounds healing by “primary intention” are characterized by minimal scarring and these neatly approximated features.
“What are closely aligned edges?”
This outward physical sign, along with the shortening of the affected leg, is often present when assessing a hip fracture.
“What is external rotation?”
On the fourth day post-op, discovering purulent drainage at an incision site signals this problem, which must be reported promptly.
“What is infection?”
Patients taking methotrexate for RA who report mouth sores, fatigue, and bruising may be experiencing this serious adverse effect.
“What is bone marrow suppression?”
An elevated serum alkaline phosphatase level is a hallmark laboratory finding in this bone-remodeling disease.
“What is Paget’s disease?”
The nurse teaches a client with fibromyalgia that regular, low-impact exercise—rather than total rest—can help alleviate these symptoms.
“What are pain and fatigue?”
Bones perform this function by storing and releasing minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.
“What is mineral storage?”
Early ambulation and compression stockings are vital postoperative interventions to help prevent this complication in lower-extremity surgeries.
“What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?”
This metabolic condition features high uric acid levels, often treated with allopurinol and lifestyle changes to reduce purines.
“What is gout?”
An immediate fasciotomy is the indicated treatment for this emergent complication involving increased pressure within a muscle compartment.
“What is acute compartment syndrome?”
Rest and monitoring of this organ are essential in clients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as it can be damaged during a flare.
“What is the kidney (renal function)?”