Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

NUR 340 > Exam 1: week 1 > Flashcards

Exam 1: week 1 Flashcards

1
Q

What are some treatments for a herniated disc

A
  • NSAIDS
  • Muscle relaxers (flexeril, robaxin)
  • PT
  • Massage
  • Pelvic Traction
  • ice/heat
  • electrical stimulation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are some things that could qualify a patient for back surgery

A
  • back/leg pain limits daily life
  • develop leg numbness or tingling
  • loss of normal bladder/bowel function
  • difficulty standing or walking
  • meds and PT ineffective
  • in good health
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the nursing interventions for back pain

A
  • pain management
  • exercise
  • body mechanics
  • work modifications
  • stress reduction
  • health promotion
  • diet and weight loss
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are some post-op priorities

A
  • pain management
  • monitor surgical site
  • monitor vitals
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are some common conditions of the upper extremities

A
  • bursitis/tendonitis
  • loose bodies (joint mice)
  • impingement syndrome
  • carpal tunnel syndrome
  • ganglion cysts
  • dupuytren contracture
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

How do you assess a patient for carpal tunnel syndrome

A

Affects the median nerve
- tap the median nerve (in the wrist) and ask if they have numbness or tingling
- have patient press the backs of their hands together fingers pointing down and ask patient if they feel numbness or tingling

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is dupuytren contracture

A

when the ligaments in the ring and pinky finger are contracted
seen in smokers

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are some nursing management techniques used for a patient undergoing hand/wrist surgery

A

Usually outpatient surgery
- post-op neurovascular assessments for 24 hours (teach them how to check this)
- pain control (meds, elevation, ice)
- prevent infection (teach them the S/S of infection)
- assistance with ADLs
- education

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are some common foot problems seen in patients

A
  • plantar fasciitis
  • corn
  • callus
  • ingrown toenail
  • hammer toe
  • bunion (hallux valgus)
  • flat foot (pes planus)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is osteoarthritis

A

Noninflammatory degenerative disorder of the joints
- most common form of joint disease
- either primary or secondary
- limited to joints; no systemic symptoms

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the difference between primary and secondary osteoarthritis

A

primary - spontaneous; unknown cause
secondary - caused by previous joint injury or inflammatory disorder (such as RA)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis

A

Breakdown of articular cartilage leading to damage of the bone and the formation of osteophytes (bone spurs)
- joint space is narrowed
- decreased joint movement; further damage
- joint progressively degenerates
- used be thought of as normal wear and tear of aging

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the risk factors for osteoarthritis

A
  • old
  • female
  • obesity
  • occupations (manual labor)
  • playing sports
  • history of injuries
  • genetics
  • certain diseases
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis

A
  • stiffness in the morning lasting less than 30 minutes
  • functional impairment
  • joint pain aggravated by movement and relieved by rest
  • progressive over many years
  • enlarged joint with decreased ROM
  • Most often in weight bearing joints like the knees, hips, lumbar and cervical spine
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is osteoporosis

A

When the spongy bone is more porous and less supportive.
This usually is asymptomatic until a fracture happens.
Due to overactive osteoclasts.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are osteoclasts

A

cells that breakdown bone tissue in order to increase serum calcium

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are osteoblasts

A

cells that build up bone tissue using serum calcium

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

*What are the risk factors of osteoporosis

A

C - calcium (low)
A - age (low hormone levels)
L - lifestyle (sedentary, smoker)
C - Caucasian or Asian
I - inherited
U - underweight (BMI<19)
M - medications (glucocorticoids, anticonvulsants)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

*What are the signs and symptoms of osteoporosis

A

F - fractures (hip, spine, wrist, Colles [radius close to the wrist])
R - rounding of upper back (hunchback)
A - asymptomatic
I - inches of height (lost while aging)
L - low back, hip, neck pain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What test is used to diagnose osteoporosis

A

bone density

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is a bone density test measuring

A

amount of calcium in the blood and bones

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What education is important to give a patient who is scheduled for a bone density test

A

No calcium supplements 24 hours before test (this includes antacids)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

*Which medications are used to treat osteoporosis

A

Bisphosphonates
- alendronate
- ibandromate
Calcium supplements
Vitamin D supplements
Calcitonin
HRT (hormone replacement therapy)
Evista (estrogen receptor modulator)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

*What education is important to give to a patient who is taking bisphosphonates

A

Can cause GI upset; take on an empty stomach with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What is osteomalacia
Called "rickets" in children softening and weakening of the long bones due to inadequate vitamin D
26
What are the signs and symptoms of osteomalacia
pain, tenderness, and deformities of the long bones - bowing of long bones - pathologic fractures
27
What are the causes of osteomalacia
- GI disorders - Severe renal insufficiency - hyperparathyroidism - dietary deficiency
28
What is the main treatment for osteomalacia
Adding Vitamin D in the diet
29
What is Paget's disease
Genetic disorder where new bone grows over old bone (localized bone turnover) - most common in men - risk increases with age - at risk for fractures, arthritis, and hearing loss
30
What are the signs and symptoms of Paget's disease
Usually asymptomatic but may present with - skeletal deformities - aching pain - tenderness/warmth over bone
31
Which patients are at a higher risk of developing septic arthritis
Older adults with comorbidities - diabetes - RA - skin infections
32
What are the symptoms of septic arthritis
Usually in the hip and knee joints - warm, painful joints with decreased ROM
33
How is septic arthritis diagnosed
culture of the synovial fluid (many different organisms)
34
*What are the treatments for septic arthritis
- Immobilization of joint - Pain meds - Antibiotics
35
What is osteomyelitis
infection of the bone caused by MRSA or other bacterial agents
36
How does a patient get osteomyelitis
- direct bone contamination - soft tissue infection spread to the bone - bloodborne (infection in the blood that spreads to whole body including the bones)
37
How do we treat osteomyelitis
- antibiotics for 4-6 weeks - restrict activity other than gentle ROM of joints directly above and below infected bone - pain meds - elevate affected area
38
What are primary bone tumors
Tumors that originate in the bone - benign (more common, few symptoms) - malignant (osteogenic sarcoma most common/most fatal)
39
What are metastatic bone tumors
Tumors that originate in another area of the body and have metastasized to the bone - more common than primary
40
What is the course of symptoms seen with bone tumors
- painless until swelling eventually causes pain - weight loss - limb swelling - fracture near the site of tumor - high calcium levels
41
*What are the signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia
- bone pain - N/V - fatigue - muscle weakness - mental status change
42
*What precautions should the nurse take for a patient who had a hip replacement
- abduction of leg to prevent dislocation (abductor pillow) - do not flex more than 90 degrees - avoid internal rotation
43
What are some possible complications following orthopedic surgery
- hypovolemic shock - atelectasis - pneumonia - urinary retention - thromboembolism - constipation
44
*What are some important education topics for a patient who is discharging home after orthopedic surgery
- take pain meds as directed - wear support stockings they were given - tell all providers (including dentist) of the artificial joint before any procedure - arrange to have staples removed 2 weeks after surgery - when to start PT - who to contact if something is wrong (signs of infection)
45
*What education should you give a patient discharging home after orthopedic surgery regarding their incision
- check daily for signs of infection - wash hands often - call provider right away if infection is suspected - wash incision w/soap and water and pat dry
46
*What is a contusion
- injury to soft tissue - ecchymosis/hematoma
47
*What are strains and sprains
strain - stretched ligament sprain - torn ligament (pain and swelling for both)
48
*what is the difference between a dislocation and subluxation
subluxation is a partial or incomplete dislocation
49
How do you treat a contusion
- ice for 24 hours (20 min on 20 min off) - followed by moist heat - apply elastic bandage
50
How do you treat strains and sprains
- rest/elevation of affected part - ice for 24 hours (20 min on 20 min off) - followed by warm compress - elastic pressure bandage - minimize use/wear a brace
51
*What is the standard procedure for managing soft tissue injuries
R - rest I - ice C - compression E - elevation
52
What are the different types of fractures
- complete (across whole bone) - incomplete (piece of bone) - open (through skin) - closed (skin intact)
53
*What is important to remember about patients presenting to the ER with long bone fractures
pain meds administered within 45 minutes of arrival
54
What is the procedure for managing a fracture in an emergency setting
- immobilize body part - splint (area distal and proximal to the break is immobilized and supported by splint) - assess neurovascular status before and after splinting (cap refill, numbness, tingling, skin color) - do not attempt to reduce (align) the fracture Open fractures: apply sterile dressing to avoid contamination
55
What is the procedure for managing a fracture in the hospital setting
- fracture reduction (align broken pieces of bone) - traction (closed) - external fixation (open) - immobilization
56
*What are some complications that can occur with fractures
- fat emboli (caused by fx of long bones) - hemorrhage - delayed union (caused by infection) - malunion (improper alignment due to premature wt bearing) - non-union (healing hasn't occurred 4-6 months after fx) - sepsis - peripheral nerve damage - compartment syndrome
57
*What are the signs and symptoms of a fat embolus
- petechiae rash - shortness of breath - mental status change - tachycardia - chest pain
58
What is compartment syndrome
When a cast is applied, and the body part continues to swell, pressure is put onto the vessels causing extreme pain, numbness, and tingling (this is why we use a splint before casting)
59
How do we treat a fracture of the clavicle
A figure 8 sling (no surgical intervention) - ROM for elbow wrist and fingers - keep arm below shoulder for at least 6 weeks
60
How do we treat a fracture of the humoral neck/shaft
Sling with a brace to immobilize arm - no surgical intervention
61
What is the biggest risk in pelvis fractures
Hemorrhage (very vascular)
62
What is a cast
rigid, external immobilizing device made of either fiberglass or plaster
63
What is the difference between the fiberglass and plaster casts
fiberglass is lighter, quick drying, heat activated, and more expensive whereas plaster is heavy, slow drying, cold activated, and less expensive
64
What is a splint
Two pieces of cast that are used to stabilize and support a reduced fracture that is wrapped with ace bandage This stays on for about a week before casting to account for swelling and reduce the risk of compartment syndrome
65
What is a brace
custom fitting devices that are used to support an injured part of the body usually used in strains and sprains
66
*What are some important education topics when teaching about cast care
- Keep it dry - Do not cover with plastic - elevate extremity (use a sling) - hygiene - don't stick stuff in the cast
67
*What is the most important assessment when caring for a patient with a cast, splint, or brace
Neurovascular assessment (5 P's) - pain - pallor - paresthesia - pulses - paralysis
68
What is an external fixation device
Used in management of open fractures - pins are inserted and connected to external device - pin care very important to avoid infection
69
Can the nurse adjust the clamps on the external fixator device
NO
70
What is traction
addition of a pulling force in order to reduce or immobilize a fractured bone - a counter force must be applied (can be patients body weight) - must be continuous
71
what are the two types of traction
skin skeletal
72
what is skin traction
noninvasive form of traction where weight is added to the trunk or extremity to reduce or immobilize a fracture - Buck's traction - cervical head halter - pelvic traction
73
What is skeletal traction
Pins are inserted into the bone and weight is applied to the pins to reduce or immobilize a fracture
74
*What are some major concerns when caring for a patient in traction
- immobility (pressure injuries) - neurovascular issues - infection at pins (skeletal)
75
*What is the determining factor when planning a discharge date for a patient in traction
Must be able to transfer safely
76
*how often is pin care done for a patient in traction
Q8 hours
77
What are the different types of amputations
- AKA - BKA - disarticulation - guillotine - closed/flap
78
What is a disarticulation amputation
amputation done at the joint (hip, knee, ankle)
79
*What is phantom limb pain
Occurs immediately post op up to 2-3 month post op - more frequently in AKA - feels like the limb is being crushed, twisted, or intense burning/cramping
80
*What can be done for phantom limb pain
Medications - nerve pain meds (gabapentin) Elevation of stump Ice

NUR 340 (10 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions