Diseases/Diagnoses
What do connective tissue diseases affect?
Bones, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons
How would a nurse describe the purpose and appropriate use of a cane?
Canes provide minimal support and balance and are used on the unaffected side
This assessment is priority after a total knee replacement.
Pulse quality in the affected extremity
What education should be provided to a patient taking Fosamax?
Sit or stand for 30 minutes after administration
What nursing assessment likely indicates that a patient has osteoporosis?
Spinal deformity
This body part is usually affected by gout.
Great (big) toe
What would the nurse teach a patient taking Benemid that it's expected action is?
Increases excretion of uric acid
What assessment is considered abnormal on a neurovascular assessment?
Why is a closed amputation usually performed?
To create a weight-bearing residual limb
What can be prevented with early ambulation?
DVT
What diagnostic test result is expected for a patient with polymyositis?
Muscle biopsy positive for muscle degeneration
The nurse should explain that most people can fully bear weight after an amputation in this amount of time.
3 months
What is the cardinal sign of a fractured hip?
Affected leg is shorter than the unaffected leg
What is the action of the medication Arava?
Slows the progress of the disease
How should the nurse position the hip after a total hip replacement?
Abduct the hip
How would you describe a compound comminuted fracture?
The bone is broken into two or more pieces with fragments protruding through the skin
What education would a nurse provide to a patient with a knee replacement about the benefits of the CPM machine?
Increases the flexibility of the new joint
This assessment is of greatest concern to a nurse when caring for a patient admitted with a pelvic fracture.
No urinary output for 8 hours
What is important when dealing with the weights that are applying traction to a patient?
That they are hanging freely
What would you suspect if a patient's crushed forearm is swollen, cool, and cyanotic, with weak distal pulses?
Compartment syndrome
What is suspected if a patient with a crushed pelvis begins having shortness of breath and is confused and restless?
Fat embolus
What should a nurse educate a patient to do if their residual limb is showing signs of infection?
Leave the prosthesis off and contact the physician
What are late signs of hemorrhage after an amputation?
Cyanosis and hypotension
What major occurrences may lead to an amputation? (four)
Trauma, disease, tumors, congenital defects
Why is it important for a patient with osteoporosis to maintain a regular exercise regimen?
To promote bone formation and improve strength