Inflammation Basics
What are the five cardinal signs of acute inflammation?
Redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function.
What history questions are essential when assessing musculoskeletal injuries?
Trauma, mobility issues, gait changes, PMH, PSH, medications.
What type of arthritis involves wear-and-tear damage to articular cartilage?
Osteoarthritis.
What is the most suggestive symptom of a herniated nucleus pulposus?
Numbness in the lower extremity.
What is the goal of a total knee or hip arthroplasty?
Relieve pain, improve function, and enhance quality of life.
What causes gout?
Hyperuricemia leading to urate crystal deposits in joints.
What is the difference between acute and chronic inflammation?
Acute has a sudden onset and is severe; chronic is slower and worsens over time
What does "crepitus" indicate during a joint assessment?
Crackling or grinding sound caused by bone-on-bone friction.
Which joints are most commonly affected by rheumatoid arthritis?
Hands, wrists, and knees.
Name two non-pharmacological treatments for back pain.
Exercise, heat, ice, massage, yoga, or TENS therapy.
Name two post-operative assessments for joint replacement patients.
Vital signs, wound/incision, respiratory, cardiac, neurovascular.
What food should be avoided to prevent gout flares?
Organ meats, seafood, alcohol, or foods high in purines.
What physiological process increases blood flow and WBC to an injured area?
Blood vessel dilation and increased permeability.
Name three physical components of a musculoskeletal assessment.
Ambulation/gait, posture, range of motion, joint mobility, or muscle strength.
Name one diagnostic test used for rheumatoid arthritis.
ESR, CRP, rheumatoid factor assay, ANA, x-rays, or synovial fluid analysis.
What are two risk factors for herniated discs?
Age, male gender, obesity, smoking, or repetitive heavy lifting.
What precaution prevents hip dislocation after a total hip arthroplasty?
Do not bend hip past 90 degrees, no crossing legs/feet.
What is the primary diagnostic test for osteoporosis?
Bone mineral density (DEXA) scan.
Name one primary goal of inflammation.
Promote healing by removing agents that cause tissue damage.
What clinical signs would indicate inflammation in a joint?
Warmth, swelling, pain, stiffness.
What medication class is used to reduce inflammation and joint damage in arthritis?
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib)
Name a surgical treatment option for a herniated disc.
Laminectomy, laminotomy, microdiscectomy, or spinal fusion.
Name one common complication following total knee arthroplasty.
Surgical site infection, thromboembolism, stiffness, or nerve injury.
Name one pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis.
Bisphosphonates, calcium, vitamin D3, teriparatide, or denosumab.
Stress, obesity, smoking, and female gender are significant risk factors for this autoimmune joint disease.
rheumatoid arthritis
This medication helps prevent gout flares by reducing uric acid levels.
allopurinol