Diagnostics
Helps to diagnose herniated discs, tumors, bone spurs and infections
What is a Myelogram?
This is a chronic autoimmune disorder marked by joint pain, muscle weakness, morning stiffness and fatigue.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Pain, edema, inflammation (common in great toe), tophi formation
What are symptoms of a gout attack?
This category of medications is often used to treat arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions
What are NSAIDS?
Rest, ice, compress, and elevate
What are nursing interventions following surgery or soft tissue injuries?
Non-invasive way to visualize skeletal structures
What is an X ray?
This surgical procedure may be done to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis by examining synovial fluid.
What is an arthrocentesis?
Inability to move toes/fingers, delayed capillary refill, pallor, loss of sensation, pulselessness
Allopurinol, colchicine, probenecid, and febuxostat
What medications are commonly prescribed to treat gout?
Swimming, walking, yoga
What are some good exercises for those with rheumatoid arthritis?
Important to remove any metal items from the body before performing this scan
What is an MRI?
What is ankylosing spondylitis?
These fractures may occur in people who have osteoporosis
What are pathological fractures?
Frequent neurovascular checks
What is a priority assessment for a patient who has undergone a knee replacement?
Risk factors for this problem include: obesity, aging, smoking, and previous traumatic injuries to soft tissue or bones.
Non-invasive test to help better visualize soft tissue and skeletal structures; can be done with or without contrast
What is a CT scan?
This is a disease producing progressive, non-systemic joint pain and degeneration caused by normal wear and tear on the body. It can affect one side of the body or both sides and tends to occur in adults 40 years of age or older.
What is osteoarthritis?
Respiratory depression, nausea/vomiting, pain, infection, urinary retention, constipation, hemorrhage
What are complications of surgery?
Avoid crossing legs/ankles when repositioning or sitting in chair; use abduction pillow when in bed and for repositioning
What is important for someone who has undergone a hip replacement?
What is a low-purine diet?
Hold muscle relaxers before this test
What is an electromyogram?
This disorder is caused by too much uric acid, causes crystals to form that are painful (tophi)
What is gout?
Petechiae may develop as a result of this post-surgical complication of long-bone injuries
What is a fat embolus?
This type of cast is lighter weight and appropriate for use with short-bone injuries and for children
What is a fiberglass cast?
It is important not to lie down after taking this medication because it can interfere with absorption
This test is used to help diagnose bone tumors and osteoporosis
What is a bone scan?
This disorder is common among people who practice repetitive hand motions/activities in their jobs and is characterized by numbness, tingling, weakness in the hand/wrist.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Sensation loss, bruising, swelling, pain, and deformity of a joint
What is dislocation?
This type of traction is used to prevent muscle spasms in patients with long bone/hip fractures
What is Buck's traction?
Monitor injection site and encourage oral fluids
What are nursing considerations for a patient who has undergone a bone scan?
This lab test is indicative of rheumatoid arthritis
What is rheumatoid factor (RhF)?
This is a concern with patients who have internal/external fixators
What is osteomyelitis?
This may happen as a result of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, or sudden trauma (abrupt lifting/twisting)
What is a herniated disk?
Frequent neurovascular and skin checks, make sure weights are hanging freely
What are important interventions for patients in traction?
Always allow 2 inches below axillae for correct crutch length/placement to avoid nerve injury
What should be taught to someone using crutches?
These tests may be ordered to diagnose inflammatory disorders
What are C-reactive protein (CRP), antinuclear antibody (ANA) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)?
This type of soft tissue injury results from twisting
What is a sprain?
This pain phenomenon is commonly experienced by patients with amputations
What is phantom pain?
Amputation and metastasis are common with this type of pediatric bone cancer
What is osteosarcoma?
Avoid flexing the hip joint more than 60 degrees for up to 3 months
What should be taught to a patient who has undergone a hip replacement to avoid dislocating the joint?
This test uses tiny needles to measure electrical activity in muscles
What is an electromyogram?
This injury is caused by sudden acceleration and deceleration of the cervical spine and requires a C-collar application to avoid further injury
What is whiplash?
This type of arthritis may present differently than other types of arthritis and affects children
What is juvenile arthritis?
This treatment is used to help correct spinal curvatures in patients with scoliosis
What is a Milwaukee brace?
Handle with open palm of hands, use absorbent material underneath, use blow dryer on warm/cool setting to help dry
What is appropriate teaching for cast care?
This test may be performed to identify carpal tunnel syndrome
What is a positive Phalen's sign?
This disorder is genetic and caused by a recessive gene passed by males only. It causes progressive muscle degeneration.
Elevated HR, low BP, pallor, confusion, reduced urine output, restlessness
What are signs of hemorrhage or shock?
This type of fixation uses screws, plates, and rods to repair joints or treat fractures
What are internal fixators?
Turn, cough, deep breathe, incentive spirometry, frequent neurovascular checks
These procedures may be done for diagnosis or repair of joints or soft tissue injuries
What are endoscopic procedures?
This abnormal curvature of the spine occurs in school-aged and adolescents and usually identified during a routine screening at school
What is scoliosis?
Dark, tarry stools
What is a sign of GI bleeding caused by NSAIDS?
What are muscle relaxers?
Wear this brace for up to 23 hours a day - only remove it to shower, and make sure you wear a t-shirt under the brace to avoid skin irritation
What is a Milwaukee brace?