Chapter 36 Management of Patients w/ Musculoskeletal Disorders Flashcards
Osteoporosis
A bone disorder primarily affecting older people in which the bones become porous, brittle, and more prone to fracture
Osteoporosis Risk Factors
Small-framed women ( less bones)
Postmenopausal women (drop in estrogen)
History of bone fractures during adulthood
History of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes
Asian, Caucasian, and African American women
Poor calcium intake due to lactose intolerance
Use of aromatase inhibitors in women with breast cancer (blocks estrogen)
Bariatric surgery (bypasses duodenum where Ca+2 is absorbed)
GI disease that cause malabsorption (e.g., celiac disease, alcoholism)
Autoimmune disease (e.g., rheumatoid disease)
Men >60 years of age
Corticosteroid therapy >3 months
What disease is the precursor to osteoporosis?
Osteopenia
Osteopenia
Thinner than average bone density
Primary Osteoporosis
Mainly occurs in post-menopausal women due to low vitamin D levels & failure to develop optimal peak bone mass
Secondary Osteoporosis
Result of medications or diseases that affect bone metabolism, such as celiac disease & hypogonadism
Meds That Can Lead to Secondary Osteoporosis
Anticonvulsants (phenytoin, [Dilantin])
Thyroid replacement agents (levothyroxine [Synthroid])
Antiestrogens (medroxyprogesterone [Depo-Provera])
Androgen Inhibitors (leuprolide [Lupron])
Proton Pump Inhibitors (esomeprazole [Nexium])
Osteomalacia
Abnormal softening of bones in adults
What vitamin deficiency s present in pts w/osteomalacia?
Activated Vitamin D
Clinical Manifestations of Osteomalacia
Soften, weakened bones
Skeletal deformities (spinal kyphosis and bowed legs)
Waddling gait
Pain and tenderness to touch
Pathologic fractures
Fall risk
Diagnostic Studies for Osteomalacia
X-ray and lab studies: serum calcium, phosphorus, and ALP
Urine test
Bone biopsy
Nursing Interventions to Decrease Risk for Fractures & Associated Disability
Early identification for at-risk teens and young adults
Increased calcium and vitamin D intake
Regular weight-bearing exercise
Lifestyle modifications
- Reduced use of caffeine, tobacco products, carbonated drinks, and alcohol
Diagnostic Studies for Osteomalacia
X-ray and lab studies: serum calcium, phosphorus, and ALP
Urine test
Bone biopsy
Nursing Interventions for Osteomalacia
Reduce discomfort and pain
Calcium and/or vitamin D supplement for malabsorption
Exposure to sunlight
Diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
Braces or surgery for persistent orthopedic deformities
Paget’s Disease
A disease of unknown origin that is characterized by extensive breakdown of bone tissue followed by abnormal bone formation.
In the initial phase of Paget’s disease…
…excessive bone reabsorption occurs
The second phase of Paget’s disease involves…
…excessive abnormal bone formation
Clinical Manifestations of Paget’s Disease
Severe, persistent pain that worsens w/weight-baring
Impaired mvmt
Cranial enlargement (frontal & occipital areas)
Headaches w/skull involvement
Impaired hearing
Visual acuity
Kyphosis
Barrel chest
Asymmetrical bowing of the tibia & femur
Waddling gait
Forward bent spine and is rigid
Chin rests on the chest
Arms are bent outward and forward, appearing long in relation to the shortened trunk
Associated Assessment & Diagnostic Findings of Paget’s Disease
Elevated serum ALP concentration and urinary hydroxyproline excretion
-Higher values suggest more active disease
Patients w/ Paget disease have normal blood calcium levels
X-rays: Local areas of demineralization and bone overgrowth in the characteristic mosaic patterns
Bone scans demonstrate extent of disease
Bone biopsy may provide differential diagnosis w/ other bone diseases
Medical Management of Paget’s Disease
NSAIDS, Bisphosphonates, and Plicamycin
Walking aids, shoe lifts, and PT
Weight control
Diets adequate in calcium and vitamin D and periodic monitoring
Gerontological Considerations
Educate patients, families, and caregivers on how to compensate for altered musculoskeletal functioning with an emphasis on the risk of falls
Assess the home environment for safety to prevent falls and reduce the risk of fracture
Develop strategies for coping with a chronic health problem and its effect on quality of life
Provide alternative communication devices (e.g., text telephone, telecommunication device for the deaf) and home safety alarms if need
Osteomyelitis
Infection of the bone that results in inflammation, necrosis, and formation of new bone
High-Risk Patients for Osteomyelitis
Older adults
Poorly nourished or obese
Impaired immune systems
Chronic illnesses (diabetes, RA)
Receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy or immunosuppressive agents
IV drug users
Risk Factors of Osteomyelitis
Older age
Diabetes
Long-term corticosteroid therapy
History of previous injury, infection, or
orthopedic surgery
Clinical Manifestations of Osteomyelitis
Bloodborne infections:
-Clinical and lab s/s of sepsis (e.g., chills, high fever, rapid pulse, general malaise)
-Systemic symptoms may shadow local s/s at first
- Infected area becomes painful, swollen and extremely tender as the infection extends
-Patient reports constant, pulsating pain that intensifies with movement
No systemic s/s when spread of adjacent infection or from direct contamination
Non-healing ulcer with intermittent and spontaneous pustulous drainage with chronic osteomyelitis
Diabetic osteomyelitis can occur without external wound:
- Non-healing fracture
- Foot ulcer > 2 cm in diameter
Physical Exam of Osteomyelitis
Signs & Symptoms of localized pain
Warm, inflammed, edematous area, tender to touch
Erythema
Fever
Recurrent purulent drainage of an infected sinus
Altered gait
Associated Assessment & Diagnostic Findings for Osteomyelitis (Acute vs. Chronic): Wound & Blood Cultures
Acute: only positive in 50% of cases; antibiotic treatment initiated without results
Chronic: frequently unreliable for isolating organism, therefore, open bone biopsy is indicated
Associated Assessment & Diagnostic Findings for Osteomyelitis (Acute vs. Chronic): X-Rays
Acute: soft tissue edema in early findings; periosteal elevation and bone necrosis evident after 2-3weeks
Chronic: large, irregular cavities, raised periosteum, sequestra, or dense bone formations