Musculoskeletal Disorders Flashcards
One of the most difficult aspects of illness in a child is immobility
Kids are naturally active - how explore world - take natural outlet away - are anxious - naturally relieve anxiety by running around - essential for normal G&D
Sick kids struggle to separate from parents - cannot get away if in hospital
At risk based on age group:
Psychologic impacts:
Effects of immobilization on the family
The immobilized child
Infant: dependent - require parents to keep environment safe
Toddlers: not understand danger
Preschoolers: like make people happy; not understand risks or stranger danger
School age: sports - very active - highest rate of fractures
Adolescent: invincible
At risk based on age group: - The immobilized child
Diminished environmental stimuli
Altered perception of self and environment
Increased feelings of frustration, helplessness, anxiety
Depression, anger, aggressive behavior
Developmental regression
Psychologic impacts: - The immobilized child
Take outlet away from anxiety - immobilized - impact family
Act different from norm behaviors
Tantrums and outbursts
Effects of immobilization on the family - The immobilized child
Muscular system- decreased muscle strength, tone, and endurance - atrophy
Skeletal system- bone demineralization (osteoporosis, hypercalcemia)
Metabolism- decreased metabolic rate, decreased production or stress hormone
Cardiovascular system- decreased efficiency of orthostatic neurovascular reflexes, altered distribution of blood volume, venous stasis, dependent edema
Respiratory system- decreased need for oxygen, decreased chest expansion and vital capacity, loss of respiratory muscle strength (poor cough)
Gastrointestinal system- distension caused by poor abdominal muscle tone; bowel or bladder issues - newly potty trained or asking go on bed pan
Urinary system – urinary retention due to difficulty voiding while in prone position, embarrassment for the older child
Integumentary system- altered tissue integrity, difficulty with personal hygiene
Physiologic effects of immobilization
Not in equilibrium
Not have normal G&D
Cannot expect to have normal G&D
G&D
Ex: sprain/strain - common in school-age or adolescent
RICE
Immobilization and Support as needed (casts or splints as appropriate to injury)
Therapeutic management of soft-tissue injuries
Rest the injured part
Ice immediately – never directly on skin. (on/off every 20 min) - barrier - ice pack made for skin - rotate on and off
Compression with wet elastic bandage
Elevation of the extremity
RICE - Therapeutic management of soft-tissue injuries
Most common area: fingers
More common in kids with lax joints: Downs - especially in elbow
Ice on it and to doc
Joint put back - less pain - not need immobilize - be careful but let use it
Red flag: refuse to use after 10-20 minutes
Displacement of normal position of opposing bone ends or of bone ends to socket
Occurs when force of stress on ligament is sufficient to cause displacement
Pain: Increases with active or passive movement of affected extremity
More common in children with Down syndrome
Commonly seen in fingers and elbows (nursemaid)
Dislocation
Plastic deformation (bend): The bone is bent no more than 45° without breakage.
Buckle (torus): Compression of the bone resulting in a bulge or raised area at the fracture site.
Greenstick: Incomplete fracture of the bone. - more common in kids than adults - softer bones - not break as easy; younger a child is harder is to break a bone
Transverse: Break is straight across the bone.
Oblique: Break is diagonal across the bone.
Spiral: Break spirals around the bone. - twisting - abuse
Epiphyseal (growth plate): Injury to the end of the long bone on the growth plate.
Stress: Small fractures/cracks in the bone due to repeated muscle contractions - more common older kids and runners
Complete: Bone fragments are separated.
Incomplete: Bone fragments are still attached.
Closed or simple: The fracture occurs without a break in the skin.
Open or compound: The fracture occurs with an open wound and bone protruding.
Complicated fracture: The fracture results in injury to other organs and tissues.
Comminuted: The fracture includes small fragments of bone that lie in surrounding tissue
Fractures
Most long bones - grow from growth plate
Grow from inside out
Can result in growth issue
Weakest part bone
Result in diff sizes of limbs
Rare of this
Follow-up imp
Growth plate injuries
Typically rapid healing in children
Younger are easier it is
Newborn: clavicle - shoulder dystocia - can lead to brachial plexus injury - long term nerve injury and not use arm appropriately
Bone healing and remodeling
Radiographs - x-ray
History taking - complains hurts; not use it
Suspicion of fracture in a young child who refuses to walk or bear weight - match with story
Diagnostic evaluation - Diagnosis and management of fractures
Reduction and immobilization
Restoring function
Preventing deformity - might not heal as supposed to - rebreak it - not seen often unless abuse
Goals of fracture management - Diagnosis and management of fractures
Pain and point of tenderness
Pallor
Pulselessness
Paresthesia: Sensation distal to the fracture site
Paralysis: Movement distal to the fracture site
Pressure
Why do we need to complete a neurovascular assessment?
Pain and severe that point to location and meds not relieve pain - call doc
Neurovascular assessment
Worried abou compartment syndrome
Edema, extra blood, squeezes muscles, veins, arteries, nerves - assess regularly
Monitor with cast - move toes
Foot fell like its asleep
Fasciotomy
Why do we need to complete a neurovascular assessment?
Also worried about infection
Protruding bone/surgery
Hot spot - red flag something going on with cast
Manifestations
Nursing actions
Education
Osteomyelitis
Irritability
Fever
Tachycardia
Edema
Pain is constant but increases with movement
Not wanting to use the affected extremity
Site of infection tender, swollen, and warm to touch
Manifestations - Osteomyelitis
Assist in diagnostic procedures (obtaining skin, blood, and bone cultures).
Assist with joint or bone biopsy.
Administer IV and oral antibiotic therapy.
Monitor hepatic, hematologic, and renal function.
Monitor for the development of superinfection (candidiasis, C. difficile infection).
Immobilize and elevate the extremity.
Administer pain medication as prescribed.
Consult with the parents and provider regarding home care needs.
Nursing actions - Osteomyelitis
Educate the client and parents about the length of treatment that can be needed and long-term antibiotic therapy.
Monitor hearing due to ototoxicity of some antibiotics.
Limit movement of the affected limb and avoid bearing any weight until cleared by the provider.
Provide for diversional activities consistent with the client’s level of development.
Ensure proper nutrition.
Education - Osteomyelitis
Plaster - longer dry (not good if around water - careful how handle - lay on pillow - use whole pillow) vs fiberglass - dry easier and quicker - okay getting wet - wrapping underneath not to get wet
Cast application techniques - Casting for fractures
Itchy - Nothing down cast; Hair dryer on cold setting and blow it in there; Benadryl
Elevate it to begin with it
Tylenol or motrin
Skin care
Care management - Casting for fractures
Red flags - compartment syndrome/osteomyelitis
Itchy
Cast care at home - Casting for fractures
Scary! - going at with a saw - show and demonstrate on something else to alleviate anxiety - arm gross looking - bath and gentle soap
Cast removal - Casting for fractures
SPICA cast - hip displasia
Potential complications
Nursing interventions
Evaluation
Education
Care for the child