Module 1 Flashcards
What are the six Ps to check during a nursing assessment of fractures?
Pain, Pulse, Pallor, Paresthesia, Paralysis, Poikilothermia
Poikilothermia refers to cool skin or the inability to regulate body temperature in the affected area.
What are common signs of compartment syndrome?
Pain, Pallor, Pulselessness, Paresthesia, Paralysis, Poikilothermia
These are known as the ‘6 Ps’ and are critical indicators of compartment syndrome.
Fill in the blank: ________ is a type of fracture where the skin is intact.
Closed (simple)
What are the key components of fracture prevention?
- Fall prevention (home safety, assistive devices)
- Safe movement techniques
- Protective gear (helmets, pads, seatbelts)
- Good nutrition (calcium, vitamin D)
- Weight-bearing exercise
- Screen for osteoporosis
What are the nursing interventions for managing fractures?
- Immobilize the fracture (splints, traction, cast care)
- Pain management (meds, elevation, ice)
- Neurovascular monitoring (regular checks)
- Elevate affected limb
- Monitor for signs of infection
What complications can arise from fractures?
- Compartment syndrome
- Fat embolism
- Infection (osteomyelitis)
- Delayed or nonunion
- Neurovascular compromise
- DVT/PE
- Pressure ulcers
- Post-traumatic arthritis
What nutritional factors are important for fracture healing?
- High protein
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
True or False: An open (compound) fracture is characterized by the bone protruding through the skin.
True
What are the types of pharmacologic therapies for fractures?
- Analgesics
- NSAIDs
- Anticoagulants
- Antibiotics
- Muscle Relaxants
- Bone Health Medications
What is the primary purpose of anticoagulants in fracture management?
Prevents blood clots during immobilization/post-op
Common anticoagulants include Enoxaparin, Heparin, Warfarin, and Apixaban.
What signs indicate a hip fracture?
- Severe hip/groin pain
- Inability to bear weight
- Shortened and externally rotated leg
- Swelling, bruising around hip
- Decreased mobility/function
What factors contribute to the risk of hip fractures?
- Osteoporosis
- Falls
- Trauma
- Bone cancer
- High-impact activities
- Poor vision or balance problems
Fill in the blank: The most common surgical intervention for severe scoliosis is ________.
Spinal Fusion
What are common symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness/spasticity
- Numbness/tingling
- Visual disturbances
- Gait disturbances
- Bladder/bowel dysfunction
- Cognitive changes
What diagnostic tests are used for Multiple Sclerosis?
- MRI
- Lumbar Puncture
- Evoked Potentials
- Blood Tests
- Neurological Examination
What are the complications associated with Parkinson’s Disease?
- Paralysis
- Pressure ulcers
- Respiratory complications
- Bladder infections
- Constipation
- Depression
- Cognitive decline
What lifestyle changes can help manage osteoarthritis?
- Regular low-impact exercise
- Weight loss
- Joint protection
- Adequate calcium & vitamin D intake
What is the primary goal of pharmacologic therapy for osteoarthritis?
Pain management
What are the signs of scoliosis?
- Visible lateral curvature of the spine
- Uneven shoulders or hips
- Prominent shoulder blade
- Back pain
- Breathing difficulty (in severe cases)
What are the nursing interventions for managing scoliosis?
- Monitor curve progression
- Encourage brace compliance
- Promote exercise and physical therapy
- Pain management
True or False: The primary progressive form of Multiple Sclerosis shows relapses.
False
What are the key nursing assessments for fractures?
- Pain assessment
- Swelling and bruising
- Limb deformity or shortening
- Crepitus
- Mobility/function assessment
Fill in the blank: ________ is a type of fracture caused by disease.
Pathologic
What is a common gait characteristic of Parkinson’s disease?
Shuffling gait
What facial expression is often associated with Parkinson’s disease?
Mask-like facial expression
What are common speech difficulties in Parkinson’s disease?
Soft or slurred speech (dysarthria)
What is a common swallowing difficulty in Parkinson’s disease?
Dysphagia
What mood changes may occur in individuals with Parkinson’s disease?
Depression and anxiety
What gastrointestinal issue is commonly seen in Parkinson’s disease?
Constipation
What cognitive decline may occur in the later stages of Parkinson’s disease?
Dementia
Is there a known prevention for Parkinson’s disease?
No known prevention (idiopathic neurodegenerative disorder)
What lifestyle factors may reduce the risk or slow progression of Parkinson’s disease?
Antioxidant-rich diets and exercise
What are some nursing interventions for Parkinson’s disease?
- Fall prevention strategies
- Promote mobility with physical therapy
- Support with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Monitor swallowing ability
- Provide high-fiber diet and fluids
What complication can arise from dysphagia in Parkinson’s disease?
Aspiration pneumonia
What is the primary goal of treatment for Parkinson’s disease?
Manage symptoms and slow progression
What are common pharmacologic therapies for Parkinson’s disease?
Dopaminergic medications
What is a critical patient education point regarding medication for Parkinson’s disease?
Take medications on schedule and avoid abrupt stopping
What are common causes of back pain?
- Strains
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Injuries/trauma
What are some prevention strategies for back pain?
- Good posture
- Regular physical activity
- Proper lifting techniques
- Maintain healthy weight
What nursing interventions are important for managing back pain?
- Pain management
- Heat/cold therapy
- Educate on proper posture
- Encourage physical activity
What are potential complications of back pain?
- Chronic pain
- Loss of mobility
- Muscle atrophy
- Cauda equina syndrome
What is a common treatment for herniated discs?
Physical therapy
What is a symptom of cervical herniation?
Pain radiating to the shoulders, arms, hands
What is a significant difference in symptoms between cervical and lumbar herniation?
Cervical affects upper extremities; lumbar affects lower extremities
What can be a cause of hypothyroidism?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
What are some vital signs associated with hypothyroidism?
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
What is a common laboratory finding in hypothyroidism?
High TSH levels
What is the primary treatment for hypothyroidism?
Thyroid hormone replacement
What are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
- Tachycardia
- Weight loss
- Goiter
- Exophthalmos
What is a life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism?
Thyroid storm
What are common treatments for hyperthyroidism?
- Antithyroid medications
- Radioactive iodine therapy
- Surgical thyroidectomy
What condition is characterized by low bone mass and increased fracture risk?
Osteoporosis
What are common risk factors for osteoporosis?
- Aging
- Hormonal changes
- Sedentary lifestyle
What is osteoporosis?
A condition characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, leading to increased risk of fractures.
Commonly occurs in postmenopausal women and older adults.
What are common risk factors for osteoporosis?
- Aging
- Hormonal changes (especially decreased estrogen in women post-menopause)
- Calcium and Vitamin D deficiencies
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Genetics
- Excessive alcohol consumption or smoking
- Medications (e.g., corticosteroids)
- Chronic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
Family history of osteoporosis is a significant risk factor.
What diagnostic test is used to confirm osteoporosis?
Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Test (DEXA scan) measures bone density.
This test is crucial for diagnosing osteoporosis.
What are key nursing assessments for osteoporosis?
- History: Risk factors (age, gender, family history, lifestyle)
- Physical examination: Check for deformities, tenderness, height loss
- Pain assessment
- Functional status: Ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs)
Assessing pain related to fractures or spinal deformities is essential.
What are some prevention strategies for osteoporosis?
- Weight-bearing exercises (e.g., walking, weightlifting)
- Adequate calcium and Vitamin D intake
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Fall prevention strategies
Calcium intake should be 1,000 mg/day for younger adults and 1,200 mg/day for older adults.
What are common complications of osteoporosis?
- Fractures (especially hip, spine, and wrist)
- Chronic pain
- Loss of independence and mobility
- Deformities (e.g., kyphosis)
- Pulmonary complications
Fractures can lead to significant morbidity.
What is Ibandronate (Boniva) used for?
Osteoporosis treatment and prevention in postmenopausal women.
It increases bone mass and reduces the risk of vertebral fractures.
What are important administration considerations for Ibandronate?
- Take on an empty stomach
- Sit or stand upright for at least 30 minutes after taking
- Administer IV form by a healthcare professional
These considerations help prevent esophageal irritation.
What are common side effects of Ibandronate?
- Headache
- Back pain
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
These side effects are generally manageable.
What serious adverse effects can occur with Ibandronate?
- Esophageal irritation, ulcers, or bleeding
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw
- Hypocalcemia
- Renal impairment
Monitoring kidney function is crucial.
What is Methimazole used for?
Hyperthyroidism treatment, particularly in Graves’ disease.
It is also used for preoperative preparation for thyroidectomy.
What are common side effects of Methimazole?
- Rash
- Nausea
- Joint pain
- Taste changes
Side effects may vary among individuals.
What serious adverse effects can occur with Methimazole?
- Agranulocytosis
- Liver toxicity
- Thrombocytopenia
- Hypothyroidism
Regular monitoring of thyroid function tests is necessary.
What is Levodopa primarily used to treat?
Parkinson’s disease (primary treatment for motor symptoms).
It is also used in some cases for restless leg syndrome.
What are important administration considerations for Levodopa?
- Take on an empty stomach
- Do not crush or chew tablets
- Avoid high-protein meals
These considerations optimize drug absorption.
What are common side effects of Levodopa?
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Involuntary movements
Monitoring for these side effects is essential.
What serious adverse effects can occur with Levodopa?
- Hallucinations
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Severe depression
Patients should be monitored closely for these effects.
What are common anticholinergic drugs?
- Atropine
- Benztropine
- Trihexyphenidyl
- Ipratropium
These drugs are used for various conditions including Parkinson’s disease.
What are common side effects of anticholinergics?
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Urinary retention
These side effects can impact patient quality of life.
What dietary supplement is used for osteoarthritis?
Glucosamine/Chondroitin.
It supports joint health and reduces pain and inflammation.
What are common side effects of Glucosamine/Chondroitin?
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Headache
- Drowsiness
Most side effects are mild and manageable.
What are contraindications for Glucosamine/Chondroitin?
- Shellfish allergy
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Bleeding disorders
Safety during pregnancy is not well-established.
