Serologic Studies
Bone is primary organ for storage of this: _______
Decreased in kidney disease; increased in bone tumors and hyperparathyroidism
lab values: 9.0 - 10.5 mg/dl
Calcium
Injury to ligament; most common in the ankle, wrist, and knee
Sprain
Swelling/increased pressure within a limited space
Compromises neurovascular function of tissues within that space
Associated with fractures with extensive tissue damage
Compartment Syndrome
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (OTC)
Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic properties
Common drugs include aspirin, Celebrex, Advil/Motrin, Aleve, Toradol
Bleeding is a common complication of chronic use
NSAIDs
No spinal curvature
No muscle atrophy or asymmetry
No joint swelling, deformity, or crepitation
Full range of motion of all joints without pain
Muscle strength 5/5
Normal Musculoskeletal Findings
Elevated in healing fractures, bone cancers, and osteoporosis
Lab values: 30 - 120 U/L
Alkaline phosphatase
Extensive stretching of muscles and fascia; most common in large muscle groups (lower back, hamstrings, calf muscles)
Strain
Systemic fat globules from fracture are distributed into tissues and organs
Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES)
Blocks nerve impulses sent to the brain
Common drugs include Flexeril and Baclofen
Muscle relaxants
Crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs are examples of these
Assistive devices
Increased level with muscle trauma (released into serum with cell destruction)
Lab values: 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L
Potassium
Caused by the compression of the median nerve associated with continuous wrist movement
Manifestations include impaired sensation, pain, numbness, weakness
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Common signs/symptoms of this fracture complication include altered mental status, chest pain, and shortness of breath
Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES)
Inhibits bone resorption and slow remodeling
Must be taken on an empty stomach and at bedtime
Common drugs include Fosamax, Actonel, and Reclast
Bisphosphonates
Nursing assessment of pain, pulse, pallor, paresthesia, and paralysis
Neurovascular assessment
Used to diagnose inflammatory diseases
Lab values: < 1.0 mg/dl
C-reactive protein (CRP)
May occur with aging, repetitive stress, or injury
Common manifestations include shoulder pain, weakness, decreased range of motion, and positive drop arm test
Rotator cuff injury
Early signs of compartment syndrome
Pain unrelieved by drugs, paresthesia, pulselessness, paralysis
Slow progression, used to treat moderate to severe diseases that are not responsive to DMARDs
Biologic Response Modifiers (BRMs)
Shooting, burning, or crushing pain and feelings of coldness, heaviness, and cramping
May subside or be chronic
Treat with opioids
Phantom Limb Sensation
Indirectly related to calcium metabolism
Decreased in osteomalacia; increased in chronic kidney disease, and healing fractures
Lab values: 3.0 - 4.5 mEq/L
Phosphorus
Inflammation of the bursae from repeated or excessive trauma, friction, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or infection
Bursitis
Syndrome caused by the breakdown of damaged skeletal muscle
Rhabdomyolysis
Slow disease production and decrease risk of deformity and erosion
Common drugs include Methotrexate and Plaquenil
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
Evaluates bone density and strength using ultrasound and not radiation
Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS)