Musculoskeletal Flashcards
What are the rules of thumb
alignment
CMS- circulation, motor, sensation
Ways to prevent strains and sprains
Exercise regularly to keep joints and muscles strong
Always stretch before activities
Use protective equipment
Wear shoes that fit
Maintain healthy weight
Body mechanics
Close to body, back straight, bend at knees, lift with legs, no twisting while lifting
What are the S/S of sublux and dislocation
Asymmetry of musculoskeletal contour (shorter legs) Local pain Tenderness Loss of function Swelling in the joint region
What are risk factor of factures
Trauma, Falls or Physical Abuse
High-risk lifestyle (participation in high risk sporting activities)
Malnutrition
Osteoporosis
Advanced age
Decreased circulation
Immunocompromised status
Presence of infection (systemic or osteomyelitis)
Neoplasms (or cancer, specifically of the bone)
Corticosteroid therapy
Cushings syndrome
What are the manifestations of factures
Deformity Abnormal position Cardinal sign Pain & tenderness Encourage splinting & limit movement Loss of function Quick treatment preserves function Could be a distal loss of pulse or sensation Edema & swelling Can occlude circulation compartment syndrome? Muscle spasm Can displace fracture more & make it hard to reduce Ecchymosis Extravasation of blood Usually several days later Crepitation Grating of bony fragments
What do you need to check for in fractures
distal loss of pulse
What is the cardinal sign of fractures
deformities
What is closed reduciton
non-surgical, manual realignment of bone fragments to the previous anatomical position. Traction is typically applied.
What is open reduciton
reduction or correction of bone alignment through a surgical incision involving manipulation of bone
What is internal fixation
use of wire, screws, pins, plates, rods or nails.
How ling is skin traction good for
48-72hrs
What is used in skin tracion
tape boots or slings
What does skin traction do and how many pounds are used
decreases muscle spasm
5-10 lbs
What is skeletal traction timeline
weeks
What is used in skeletal traction
nails
wires
tongs
What are the lbs of skeletal traction
4-45
What is the risk of skeletal traction
infection
What are some considerations for tractioni
CMS checks
Ropes & pulleys in alignment
Keep traction swinging free
Safe knots
Trapeze use- for cleaning
Frequent checking of skin and pin sites
Skin care
Prevent pressure injuries
Teach patient to move around using trapeze and other unaffected extremities. Never twist the affected area.
Teach client how to do skin assessment, pin site assessment
Healing – nutrition (protein and cals) – fluids – nursing interventions
Immobility – clots and atelectasis so perform interventions for these
What are the DO’s of cast care
Apply ice X 24 hours & keep dry Dry if wet (blot, low power hair dryer) Elevate X 24 hours ROM above and below Report signs of problems like ↑Pain with elevation, ice and analgesia excessive swelling with pain Discolored fingers or toes Pain with movement Burning or tingling under cast Sores or foul odor under cast
What are the DO NOT”S of cast care
Get it wet
Remove any padding
Insert objects into cast
Weight bearing X48 hours. Check with HCP
Cover cast with plastic for any length of time
What is a way t =o assess for infeciton under a cast
feeling lots of heat
When making a cast what should you do
smooth the edges
What are some other things I should assess with cast care
CMS checks – always
Cap refill, movement, strength, cool/warm to touch
Any drainage – outline (sharpie) and time/date
Underlying wound – window cut out – assess
Infection assessments – normal ones (temp, etc.) but also feel for “hot spots” on the surface of the cast. You will be able to feel the heat through the cast.
What are some guidelines for pin care
Inspect site q 4-8 º Clean pin site bid – sterile technique H2O2 NS Apply antibiotic ointment if ordered Lite dressing or open to air Place protective covers over ends of pins