Care of Patients with Arthritis and Other Connective Tissue Diseases Flashcards
Rheumatic disease:
any disease or condition involving the musculoskeletal system
Arthritis:
inflammation of one or more joints
Osteoarthritis:
progressive disorder deterioration and loss of cartilage and bone in one or more joints
Articular cartilage (hyaline cartilage) contains:
water and a matrix of:
Proteoglycans
Collagen
Chondrocytes
The production of __________ which provides joint lubrication and nutrition, also declines because of _______ and ______ in the older adult
synovial fluid
decreased synthesis of hyaluronic acid and less body fluid
As cartilage and the bone beneath the cartilage begin to erode, the joint space
narrows and osteophytes (bone spurs) form
Eitology and Genetic Risk: Primary and Secondary
Primary OA: caused by aging and genetic factors
Secondary OA: results from joint injury and obesity
Incidence and Prevalence: Most people older than 60 years have
joint changes that can be seen on x ray examination
Assessment:
History: joint stiffness, joint swelling, control of pain, loss of mobility or difficulty w/ ADLs
Physical assessment/clinical manifestations
Psychosocial assessment: continuous pain from arthritis may develop depression or anxiety
Lab assessment: ESR and hsCRP might be elevated
Imaging: MRI/CT
Physical assessment/clinical manifestations: OA
Crepitus might be felt or heard (popping)
The presence of inflammation in patients with OA indicates a secondary synovitis
Heberden’s nodes: bony nodules at the distal interphalangeal joints
Bouchard’s nodes: bony nodules at proximal interphalangeal joints
Joint effusions (excess fluid)
Atrophy
Loss of function
Immobility
Severe pain
Managing chronic pain: Expected outcome
The patient w/ OA is expected to have pain control that is acceptable to the patient (3 on a 0-10 scale)
Interventions for OA
Combinations of therapies
No drug cab influence course of OA
Recommend regular acetaminophen as the primary drug
Topical drug application may help with temporary relief
Positioning and heat/cold applications
No food that causes or cures arthritis
Glucosamine does what and
Chondroitin plays a role in what?
may decrease inflammation
may play a role in strengthening cartilage
Most common surgical procedure performed for older adults with OA and other conditions including RA, trauma, congenital anomalies, and osteonecrosis =
total joint arthroplasty TJA also known as total joint replacement TJR
Osteonecrosis:
bony necrosis secondary to lack of blood flow, usually from trauma or chronic steroid therapy
Contradictions for TJA are
active infection anywhere in the body, advanced osteoporosis, and rapidly progressive inflammation
Total Hip Arthroplasty:
The first time a patient receives any total joint arthroplasty, it is referred to as primary arthroplasty
If the implant loosens, revision arthroplasty is performed
Most common in people of 60 and older
Preoperative care: Drugs that increase the risks for clotting and bleeding are
NSAIDs Vit C and E Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) Oral contraceptive drugs MUST BE DISCONTINUED A WEEK BEFORE SURGERY
Operative Procedures: For lower extremity surgery the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist places the patient
under general or neuraxial (epidural/spinal) anesthesia
Postoperative care: complications
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) Infection Anemia Neurovascular compromise MAJOR complication = Hip Subluxation (partial dislocation) or total dislocation
Interventions for Dislocation:
Position correctly
Hip= keep leg slightly abducted, prevent hip flexion beyond 90 degrees
Assess for acute pain, rotation, and extremity shortening
Report physician immediately
Interventions for Infection:
Aseptic technique for wound care & draining
Wash hands
Monitor temp
Culture drainage fluid if change
Report excessive inflammation or drainage to physician