Everything Flashcards
Diskogram
X-ray of cervical or lumbar intervertebral disk is done after injection of contrast media into nucleus pulposus. Permits visualization of intervertebral disk abnormalities.
Assess for contrast media allergy.
Standard x-ray
Determines density of bone. Evaluates structural or functional changes of bones and joints. In anteroposterior view, x-ray beam passes from front to back, allowing one-dimensional view; lateral position provides two-dimensional view.
Avoid excessive exposure of patient and self. Before procedure, remove any radiopaque objects that can interfere with results. Verify patient is not pregnant.
CT scan
x-ray beam is used with a computer to provide a three-dimensional picture. It is used to identify soft tissue abnormalities, bony abnormalities, and various musculoskeletal trauma.
Inform patient that procedure is painless. Inform patient of importance of remaining still during procedure. If contrast is being used, assess for allergy. Verify patient is not pregnant.
Myelogram with or without CT
Involves injecting a radiographic contrast medium into sac around nerve rootss. CT scan may follow to show how the bone is affecting the nerve roots. Very sensitive test for nerve impingement and can detect very subtle lesions and injuries.
Main risk is potential for spinal headache. Inform pt that HA should resolve in 1-2 days with rest and fluids, but should be reported to HCP. Verify pt is not pregnant.
MRI
Radio waves and magnetic field are used to view soft tissue. Especially useful in the diagnosis of avascular necrosis, disk disease, tumors, osteomyelitis, ligament tears, and cartilage tears. Pt is placed inside scanning chamber. Gadolinium might be injected IV to enhance visualization of structures. Open MRI does not require pt to be placed inside a chamber.
Inform pt procedure is painless. Ensure pt has no metal on clothing. Inform pt of importance of remaining still throughout exam. Inform pts who are claustrophobic that they may experience symptoms during exam. Administer anti-anxiety agent if indicated and ordered. Open MRI may be indicated for obese pt or pt with large chest and abdominal girth or severe claustrophobia. Contraindicated in pts with aneurysm clips, metallic implants, paacemakers, electronic devices, hearing aids, and shrapnel.
Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)
Measures bone mass of spine, femur, forearm, and total body. Allows assessment of bone density with minimal radiation exposure, used to diagnose metabolic bone disease and to monitor changes in bone density with treatment.
Inform pt that procedure is painless.
Quantitative ultrasound (QUS)
Evaluates density, elasticity, and strength of bone using ultrasound rather than radiation. Common area assessed is calcaneus.
Inform pt that procedure is painless.
Bone scan
Involves injection of radioisotope (usually technetium-99m) that is taken up by bone. A uniform uptake of the isotope is normal. Increased uptake is seen in osteomyelitis, osteoporosis, primary and metastatic malignant lesions of bone, and certain fractures. Decreased uptake is seen in areas of avascular necrosis.
Explain that a calculated dose of radioisotope is given 2 hr before procedure. Ensure that bladder is emptied before scan. Inform pt that procedure requires 1 hr while pt lies supine and that no pain or harm will result from isotopes. Explain that no follow-up scans are required. Increase fluids after the exam. Verify pt is not pregnant.
Arthroscopy
Involves insertion of arthroscope into joint (usually knee) for visualization of structure and contents. Can be used for exploratory surgery (removal of loose bodies and biopsy) and for diagnosis of abnormalities of mensicus, articular cartilage, ligaments, or joint capsule. Other structures that can be visualized through the arthroscope include the shoulder, elbow, wrist, jaw, hip, and ankle.
Inform pt that procedure can be performed in outpatient setting with strict asepsis and that either local or general anesthesia is used. After procedure, cover wound with sterile dressing. Explain any postprocedure activity restrictions.
Alkaline phosphatase for mineral metabolism
This enzyme, produced by osteoblasts of bone, is needed for mineralization of organic bone matrix. Elevated levels are found in healing fractures, bone cancers, osteoporosis, ostemalacia, and Paget’s disease. (38-126 U/L)
Blood sample that does not require fasting.
Calcium
Bone is primary organ for calcium storage. Calcium provides bone with rigid consistency. Decreased serum level is found in osteomalacia, renal disease, and hypoparathyroidism; increased level is found in hyperparathyroidism and some bone tumors.(8.6-10.2 mg/dL)
Blood test does not require fasting.
Phosphorus
Amount present is indirectly related to calcium metabolism. Decreased level is found in osteomalacia; increased level is found in chronic kidney disease, healing fractures, osteolytic metastatic tumor. (2.4-4.4 mg/dL)
Rheumatoid factor
Assess presence of autoantibody (rheumatoid factor) in serum. Factor is not specific for rheumatoid arthritis and is seen in other connective tissue diseases, as well as in a small percentage of normal population. Negative or titer <1.17
Does not require fasting. Venipuncture.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Nonspecific index of inflammation. Measures rapidity with which red blood cells settle out of unclotted blood in one hour. Results are influenced by physiologic factors, as well as diseases. Elevated levels are seen with any inflammatory process (especially rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever, osteomyelitis, and respiratory infections).
No need to fast. Venipuncture.
Antinuclear antibody (ANA)
Assesses presence of antibodies capable of destroying nucleus of body’s tissue cells. Finding is positive in 95% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and may also be positive in individuals with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) or rheumatoid arthritis and in a small percentage of normal population. Normal: negative at 1:40 dilution. Non-fasting, venipuncture.
Anti-DNA antibody
Detects serum antibodies that react with DNA. Most specific test for systemic lupus erythematosus. Reference interval: <70 IU/mL. Non-fasting venipuncture
Complement, total hemolytic (CH56)
Complement, a normal body protein, is essential to both immune and inflammatory reactions. Complement components used in these reactions are depleted. Complement depletions may be found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. Normal: 75-160 U/mL Non-fasting venipuncture.
Uric acid
End product of purine metabolism is normally excreted in urine. Although not specific, levels are usually elevated in gout.
Male: 4.4-7.6 mg/dL
Female: 2.3-6.6 mg/dL
Non-fasting venipuncture.
C-reactive protein (CRP)
Used to diagnose inflammatory diseases, infections, and active widespread malignancy. Synthesized by the liver and is present in large amounts in serum 18-24 hours after onset of tissue damage. (6.80-820 mcg/dL)
Non-fasting venipuncture
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27
Antigen present in disorders such as ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Non-fasting venipuncture.
Creatine Kinase (CK)
Highest concentration found in skeletal muscle. Increased levels found in progressive muscular dystrophy, polymyositis, and traumatic injuries.
Male: 20-200 U/L
Female: 20-180 U/L
Non-fasting venipuncture
Potassium
Increased in muscle trauma as cell destruction releases this electrolyte into serum. 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Monitor trauma patients for cardiac dysrhythmias related to hyperkalemia.
Aldolase
Useful in monitoring muscular dystrophy and dermatomyositis.
1.5-8.1 U/L
Non-fasting venipuncture
Arthrocentesis
Incision or puncture of joint capsule to obtain samples of synovial fluid from within joint cavity or to remove excess fluid. Local anesthesia and aseptic preparation are used before needle is inserted into joint and fluid aspirated. Useful in diagnosis of join inflammation, infection, meniscal tears, and subtle fractures.
Inform pt that procedure is usually done at bedside or in exam room. Send samples of synovial fluid to lab for exam (if indicated). After procedure apply compression dressing. Observe for leakage of blood or fluid on dressing.
Electromyogram (EMG)
Evaluates electrical potential associated with skeletal muscle contraction. Small-gauge needles are inserted into certain muscles. Needle probes are attached to leads that feed information to EMG machine. Recordings of electrical activity of muscle are traced on audio transmitter, as well as on oscilloscope and recording paper. Useful in providing information related to lower motor neuron dysfunction and primary muscle disease.
Inform pt that procedure is usually done in EMG lab while pt lies supine on special table. Keep pt awake to cooperate with voluntary movement. Inform pt that procedure involves some discomfort from needle insertion. Avoid administration of stimulants including cafeine and sedatives 24 hours before procedure.
Duplex venous Doppler
Ultrasound of the veins, usually of the lower extremities, to detect blood flow abnormalities that could indicate DVT. Procedure is painless and non-invasive.
Thermography
Uses infrared detector that measures degree of heat radiating from skin surface. Useful in investigating cause of inflamed joint and in determining pt response to anti-inflammatory drug therapy. Procedure is painless and non-invasive.
Plethysmography
Records variations in volume and pressure of blood passing through tissues. Test is nonspecific. Procedure is painless and non-invasive.
Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP)
Evaluates evoked potential of muscle contractions. Electrodes are placed on skin and provide recordings of electrical activity of muscle. Useful in identifying subtle dysfunction of lower motor neuron and primary muscle disease. Measures nerve conduction along pathways not accessible by EMG. Transcutaneous or percutaneous electrodes are applied to the skin and help identify neuropathy and myopahty. Often used during spinal surgery for scoliosis to detect neurologic compromise when pt is under anesthesia.
Similar to EMG except no needles. Electrodes are applied to skin.
Common muscle relaxants include:
Carisoprodol (Soma)
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
Common side effects of muscle relaxants: (7)
- ataxia
- blurred vision
- drowsiness
- fatigue
- GI upset
- headache
- weakness
Hypersensitivity reactions of muscle relaxants may include (2):
skin rash
pruritis
What are the three main muscle relaxers from the chapter?
Carisoprodol (Soma)
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
methocarbamol (Robaxin)
Adverse effects of muscle relaxants include:
hypotension
tachycardia
respiratory depression
Most common benign bone tumor; frequently located in metaphyseal portion of long bones, particularly leg, pelvis, or scapula; occurs most often in persons 10-25; malignant transformation may occur.
Osteochodroma (malignant = chondrosarcoma)
Arises in cancellous ends of the arm and leg bones; about 10% are locally aggressive and may spread to lungs; high rate of local recurrence after surgery and chemotherapy.
Osteoclastoma (giant cell tumor)