Musculoskeletal Flashcards
Abbreviations
- fracture: #
- osteoarthritis: OA
- Rheumatoid: RA
- Osteoporosis: OP
kyphosis
the curvature of the spine
prevention (fracture)
Fall prevention:
-orthostatic hypotension: inform them to take a minute when standing or sitting
treatment & prevention of bone fragility:
- promote proper nutrition - are they using the assistive devices (hearing aids, glasses, etc) properly?
use of hip protectors &/or fall mats
osteoarthritis (OA)
- non-inflammatory
- affects any weight-bearing joint
- related more to excess use of joints through weight-bearing
- obesity
signs & symptoms (OA)
- crepitus (crackling sound)
- bone spurs (abnormal bone growth)
- limited motion, stiffness is relieved after movement
- blood tests are normal
- symptoms of inflammation (fever, malaise, fatigue) is absent
treatment (OA)
- acetaminophen
- corticosteroid injections directly onto the affected joint(s). used if oral meds don’t work
- judicious exercise: avoid strenuous repetitive activities
- schedule alternate periods of rest
- Sx (surgery) may be necessary
- hip/knee replacement
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- autoimmune disorder with a familial tendency (hereditary)
- the synovium becomes inflamed, causing an excess synovial fluid & the cartilage becomes rough & pitted @ a later stage
signs & symptoms (RA)
- usually affects the joints symmetrically
- pain
- swelling
- warmth
- other symptoms related to inflammation
Tx (RA)
- rest, positioning with splints to maintain full ROM and help prevent contractures
- exercise rehab with physical therapy
- pain meds
- heat application for chronic pain; cold application for acute pain
- allow the area to go back to body temp before reapplying the compress - avoid anxiety to help decrease exacerbations (worsening the condition)
Gouty arthritis
- excess uric acid (from purines) in the blood can cause uric acid crystals to accumulate in the joint
- sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints, limited ROM
- occurs more often in men
Purines (sources)
red meat, alcohol, high fructose products
Tx (Gout)
- diets low in purines
- exercise
- weight maintenance
osteoporosis (OP)
-bone demineralization, leading to brittle and porous bones
-bone resorption is greater than bone absorption
-“silent” disease
risk factors:
-Alcohol use
-Corticosteroid use
-Calcium low
-Estrogen low
-Smoking
-Sedentary lifestyle
-Additional: advanced age, ethnicity, early menopause
Tx (OP)
-education
-meds that stop loss and increase bone formation (calcium & vitamin D supplements)
-Weight-bearing activity can not regain the bone loss
but prevents any further bone loss.
Managing pain
- hot or cold compress
- passive stretching & massages to the area
- correct positioning: splints & braces
- meds: pt needs to be monitored
Normal changes (muscles)
- enlarged joints
- flabby muscles
- decreased height
- sarcopenia: loss of skeletal muscle mass and function.
Sarcopenia
loss of muscle mass, strength & function
Normal changes (skeletal system)
- kyphosis
- bone mineral and bone mass decreases, causing the bones to be brittle. more prominent among older women due to accelerated rate of bone loss after menopause
- decreased calcium absorption
- thinning disks & shortening of the spinal column
- enlarged joints
- flabby muscles
- muscle atrophy
- decrease in muscle fibers, with fibrous tissue gradually replacing muscle tissue
- muscle mass, strength & movements are decreased (sarcopenia)
- diminished calcium absorption and gradual resorption (breakdown) & slower bone deposition (building) outside of the bone
