Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis primarily involves the breakdown of this tissue in the joints.
What is cartilage?
This term refers to a disc bulging out from between the vertebrae, often leading to nerve compression and pain.
What is a herniated disc?
This type of surgery involves replacing the knee joint with an artificial implant.
What is a total knee replacement?
This principle of nursing care ensures that the client's values, preferences, and expressed needs are respected.
What is patient centered care?
This basic nursing assessment technique involves checking the client's range of motion (ROM) in affected joints.
What is a mobility OR musculoskeletal assessment?
This symptom is commonly worse with activity and improves with rest in clients with osteoarthritis.
What is pain and/or stiffness?
Chronic pain that radiates down the leg is a common symptom of this condition.
What is sciatica?
The most common reason for joint replacement surgery in older adults is due to this condition.
What is osteoarthritis?
This communication technique is essential in patient-centered care to ensure understanding and foster trust.
What is active listening?
In clients with back pain, nurses should assess for this symptom, which suggests nerve involvement.
What is numbness OR tingling?
Name two pharmacological treatments commonly prescribed to relieve osteoarthritis pain.
What is acetaminophen, NSAIDS, topical NSAIDS (Diclofenac), Lidocaine patches, Opioids (Tramadol), and Muscle Relaxants?
This diagnostic imaging technique is often used to confirm a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
What is an MRI?
Following total knee replacement surgery, nurses must assess for this common postoperative complication involving blood flow.
What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
In the case of chronic pain, patient centered care involves assessing the client's pain based on this, as opposed to the nurse's perception.
What is the client's self report of pain (0-10 pain scale, faces pain scale)?
During a nursing assessment of a client with osteoarthritis, checking for this sound during joint movement can indicate joint deterioration.
What is crepitus?
The development of bony lumps on finger joints in osteoarthritis is known as this.
What are Heberden's or Bouchard's nodes?
Name five non-pharmacological treatment commonly used to relieve chronic back pain.
What is physical therapy, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, massage, yoga, spinal manipulation, acupuncture, heat therapy, well fitted shoes, core exercises, healthy weight/BMI, and bedrest for herniation?
After a total knee replacement, the nurse should assess circulation in the affected leg by checking for these three key indicators.
What are pulse (e.g., dorsalis pedis or posterior tibial), capillary refill, and skin color/temperature?
Nurses practicing patient-centered care must assess the impact of mobility problems on this aspect of the client's life.
What is daily living OR quality of life?
When assessing a client’s pain using the P, Q, R, S, T method, the "P" stands for this, which helps the nurse identify what triggers or alleviates the pain.
What is "Provocation or Palliation"?
Weight-bearing joints, such as these two, are most commonly affected by osteoarthritis.
What are the knees and hips?
Can also affect hands, spines, ankles (healthy weight important)
This surgical procedure involves removing part of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
What is a laminectomy?
This device, often used after knee replacement, continuously moves the joint to prevent stiffness and improve range of motion.
What is a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine?
For a patient-centered care approach in managing osteoarthritis, nurses should prioritize interventions that minimize the impact on the client’s lifestyle. Name one assistive device and one home modification that can help achieve this goal.
What are a cane (or walker) and installing grab bars in the bathroom?
ramps, handles, raised toilet seat, shower chair
List five alternative therapies to pain management with Osteoarthritis.
What is imagery, distraction, hot and cold applications, physiotherapy techniques: massage, TENS unit, hydrotherapies? Core exercises can help with back pain. Moderate exercise may help with OA pain and/or progression of OA.