Musculoskeletal Assessment

Question 1

what is the musculoskeletal assessment

Answer 1

the assessment of the function of the muscles, joints and bones

Question 2

what are factors that affect musculoskeletal health… health promotion topics

Answer 2

exercise
falls/injury
diet
weight
alcohol
smoking
sun exposure

Question 3

what is active range of motion

Answer 3

indication of your mobility or the amount of functional movement you are able to attain at a joint. nurse does not assist patient with movement

Question 4

what is passive range of motion

Answer 4

indication of your flexibility. nurse moves patients limb as far as needed. cannot do it on their own

Question 5

musculoskeletal development in infants and children

Answer 5

legs:
- start bowlegged (genu verum) until 18 months
- transition to knock-knee (genu valgum)
- then legs straighten by 6-7 years

fontanels:
- anterior closed by 18-24 months
- posterior closed by 2 months

back:
- check for scoliosis especially in ages 10-16

Question 6

musculoskeletal change in pregnancy

Answer 6

• increased levels of circulating hormones, may increase the mobility of joints (relaxing)
• changes in maternal posture - lordosis
• compensate for enlarging fetus - center of gravity changes
• strain on lower back and pain in late pregnancy
• sciatic nerve pain from pressure
• anterior flexion of neck, slumping of shoulders to compensate

Question 7

musculoskeletal change in older adults

Answer 7

• falls prevention/safety
• changes in mobility and balance due to disease processes
• osteoporosis and decreased bone density
• sensory impairments

Question 8

what subjective data to collect

Answer 8

assessment of risk factors
- demographic data
- past medical history
- family history
- nutrition and medication

psychological history

occupation, lifestyle, behaviours

functional assessment

Question 9

Flexion

Answer 9

narrowing a joint angle

Question 10

extension

Answer 10

increasing a joint angle

Question 11

abduction

Answer 11

moving a body part away from the midline

Question 12

adduction

Answer 12

moving body part towards the midline

Question 13

pronation

Answer 13

turning palms downwards

Question 14

supination

Answer 14

turning palms upwards

Question 15

circumduction

Answer 15

moving a body part in a circular motion

Question 16

inversion

Answer 16

foot moving inwards

Question 17

eversion

Answer 17

moving feet outwards

Question 18

elevation

Answer 18

moving a superior direction (shoulder shrug)

Question 19

depression

Answer 19

movement in an inferior direction

Question 20

how to assess muscle strength

Answer 20

• it is integrated with exam of associate joint for range of motion
• compare bilaterally
• full muscle strength requires complete active range of motion
• grade strength on scale 1-5

Question 21

atony definition

Answer 21

lack of residual tension

Question 22

hypotonicity definition

Answer 22

diminished tone of skeletal muscles

Question 23

spasticity definition

Answer 23

hypertonic, so the muscles are stiff and movements awkward

Question 24

spasm definition

Answer 24

sudden violent involuntary contraction of a muscle

Question 25

fasciculation definition

Answer 25

involuntary twitching of muscle fibers - only lasts for a few seconds - do not cause rhythms limb or body movement

Question 26

tremors definition

Answer 26

involuntary contraction of muscles - neurological condition that causes rhythmic shaking

Question 27

contracture definition

Answer 27

joint that is frozen in place due to shortening of the muscles, tendons, ligaments or skin

Question 28

gait

Answer 28

a walking patters