MS System
This nutrient, found in milk and cheese, is essential for bone strength.
This scan produces radiographic slices of bone or soft tissue with or without contrast.
CT Scan
This is the medical term for degenerative joint disease.
Osteoarthritis
A patient is recovering from a total hip replacement (THR). The nurse is providing education on postoperative care. These are the key points the nurse should include to prevent complications like dislocation.
Avoiding crossing legs, keeping the hip in a neutral position, using assistive devices as needed, and following the surgeon’s weight-bearing instructions
A 50-year-old male presents with hip pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. His blood test results show an elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level. The physician suspects an underlying bone condition. What condition might this elevated ALP indicate, and what further diagnostic tests are appropriate?
Xray/ MRI
This hormone from the anterior pituitary gland stimulates bone growth
Growth Hormone (GH)
This test visualizes the spine & spinal cord with injection of contrast.
Myelogram
A primary indication for total hip replacement is this autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis
A patient who underwent ORIF surgery for a tibial fracture reports severe pain in the leg, despite receiving pain medication. The nurse observes swelling in the lower leg and notices that the skin is tight and shiny. What is the nurse’s primary concern?
Possibility of compartment syndrome, which can cause ischemia and muscle damage.
A 45-year-old male reports pain in his knee and has a history of gout. His uric acid level is elevated at 8.5 mg/dL. Nursing education includes avoiding high- purine foods, staying hydrated and taking prescribed medications for this condition.
Gout
These cells secrete enzymes to break down old bone and play a role in healing.
Osteoclasts
This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure on a joint in which an examination and sometimes treatment of damage is performed using an arthroscope.
Arthroscopy
This amputation involves the removal of the entire lower limb above the knee joint.
Above-the-knee (AKA) amputation
A post-ORIF patient is at risk for developing compartment syndrome. Which of the following nursing interventions is most important in preventing this condition?
Regular neurovascular checks, including monitoring for signs of swelling, pain, and changes in sensation, are crucial to prevent and detect compartment syndrome early
A patient undergoing joint replacement surgery is at risk for post-operative complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These nursing interventions should the nurse include in the care plan to prevent DVT.
Encouraging early ambulation, using compression stockings or sequential compression devices, administering anticoagulants as prescribed, and ensuring adequate hydration
This fluid prevents friction within the joint cavity
Synovial fluid
A blood test showing high levels of this enzyme, normal levels being 45-115 U/L for males and 30-100 U/L for females, may indicate bone or liver disease.
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
A common complication of metastatic bone cancer that occurs when the bone becomes weakened and breaks easily.
Pathological fracture
The nurse is performing a dressing change on a patient who had a hip replacement. The incision site appears clean, but there is a small amount of serosanguineous drainage. What should the nurse do?
Document the drainage, monitor for any changes in color or amount, and continue to assess the incision site for infection.
A 65-year-old female patient who recently underwent a total knee replacement (TKR) reports severe pain and limited range of motion in her knee. Upon assessment, the nurse finds that the patient is unable to bend the knee beyond 20 degrees. This is the nurse's priority action?
Assess for signs of complications such as infection or joint instability, and notify the surgeon immediately
This type of muscle is responsible for voluntary movements, such as walking and lifting.
Skeletal muscle
This blood test measures the breakdown product of purines and is often elevated in gout.
Uric acid
These are common signs and symptoms of osteomyelitis, especially in the acute phase.
Fever, redness, swelling, and pain at the site of infection.
A patient who had a knee replacement surgery is experiencing difficulty breathing, cough, and increased swelling in the legs. What condition might the nurse suspect and what assessment should be done?
Congestive heart failure (CHF) exacerbation, and should assess for other signs like crackles on auscultation, jugular venous distention, and orthopnea.
A patient who recently had knee surgery complains of pain and numbness in their leg. The nurse notes that the leg is pale and cool. The nurse checks the pulses and finds them weak. This assessment the nurse should do first.
Assess for signs of poor circulation, such as swelling or increased pain, and notify the doctor if the pulses are weak or absent.