Name the clinical manifestations of osteoarthritis
Joint pain that is worsened by activity but relieved by rest, swelling related to excess fluid, crepitus, stiffness, tenderness
Explain how Carbidopa and Levodopa work together
Carbidopa prevents levodopa from being broken down before it reaches the brain. Levodopa can cross the blood brain barrier to then convert to dopamine
Why is weight bearing exercises encouraged with the prevention of osteoporosis?
Because it helps bring calcium back into the bone therefore making it stronger
What education should be provided to a new nurse on the ortho unit about bucks traction?
do not let weights rest on the bed or on the floor. this can cause inadequate force on the bone and may change the alignment of the fracture
What diagnostic test is used to help diagnose scoliosis?
Adam forward bend test with use of scoliometer
Name a great exercise for someone diagnosed with osteoarthritis.
Swimming
What are 2 things that should be avoided by an MS patient?
Hot tubs or hot showers (excessive heat)
Name some lifestyle modifications that can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Smoking cessation, exercise, decrease alcohol use, limit coffee intake
A toddler presents to the ED with a fractured radius and multiple bruises at different stages of healing. Upon X-ray it reveals a spiral fracture. What could possibly be the cause of this fracture?
Name risk factors for herniated disc
Excess weight, regular heavy lifting/bending/twisting, previous back problems, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, ages between 30 and 50
What is parkinsonism?
Patients with tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity that do not respond to dopaminergic drugs
What do osteoclasts do?
Dissolves bone tissue and carries it away into the bloodstream
A patient broke their femur during a sledding accident and was recently put in a new cast an hour ago. The patient is now complaining of pain and numbness and upon assessment you cannot find a distal pulse. What is happening?
Possible compartment syndrome
Surgery that enlarges the spinal canal and relieves nerve pressure
What is the first line medication treatment for osteoarthritis? What should be monitored during this treatment?
Tylenol. Liver function
Name some adverse effects of corticosteroid therapy
Mood swings, cataracts, increased risk of infection, weight gain, glucose intolerance, osteoporosis
Why are female athletes more prone to developing osteoporosis?
Estrogen balance may be off because of low BMI and leanness
A bone was broken 4 months ago and shows no signs of healing. What is this called?
Nonunion
Name the 5 P's.
Pain, pulses, pallor, paresthesia, paralysis
Total joint replacement is often used as treatment for osteoarthritis. Name a complication that can arise from this and why it happens.
Blood clots because of the activation of the clot cascade
What is the most common type of MS
Relapsing-remitting
What education should be given to a patient who has just been prescribed a bisphosphonate?
Take the medication 30 minutes before a meal and sit upright for 30 minutes after taking to prevent esophageal irritation
Your patient who was currently stable following a pelvic fracture is now complaining of shortness of breath, restlessness, and a petechial rash. What is your first suspicion of whats going on and what should you do?
Fat embolism. Apply oxygen
Name 2 possible manifestations of scoliosis
Uneven shoulders- bra straps adjusted unevenly
Uneven hips- skirts hand unevenly