Musculoskeletal System (Exam One) Flashcards
What are the functions of the skeleton?
- Provides structural support
- Protects organs
- Provides attachment
- Blood cell production
- Stores minerals
What is hemopoiesis? Where does this occur?
- Production of blood cells and platelets
- Occurs in red bone marrow
What are the functions of the muscle?
- Stabilize the skeleton
- Produce heat
- Aids in the return of blood from the legs
A fracture in the epiphyseal plate, or long bones, can affect what?
Growth
If a child is under the age of 16, a bone fracture will most likely do what? If the bone does not realign itself appropriately what might be necessary?
- Repair itself
- Rebreaking of the bone in order to realign the bone
Bone fractures in adults require what in regards to repair?
- Extensive repair
- Perfect realignment
What are the three types of bone cells?
- Osteoblasts
- Osteoclasts
- Osteocytes
What are osteoblasts responsible for?
HINT: Building Blocks
- Producing new bone
- Rebuilding existing bones when they are broken
Osteoclasts are responsible for what?
HINT: Clean up
- Reabsorb existing bone when more calcium is needed in the blood
- Removes excess bone
- Breakdown existing bone
Osteocytes are responsible for what?
- Maintaining bone tissue
- Cycle of bone
Give examples of long bones.
- Femur
- Humerus
- Tibia
Give examples of short bones.
- Carpals in the hand
- Tarsals in the foot
Give examples of flat bones.
- Ribs
- Skull
- Scapula
- Sternum
Give examples of irregular bones.
- Sacrum
- Mandible
- Ear ossicles
The axial skeleton is composed of what?
- Skull
- Hyoid
- Vertebral Column
- Rib Cage
The appendicular skeleton is composed of what?
- Arms/Legs
- Shoulder
- Pelvic Girdles
- Synovial Joints
What are the characteristics of an immature skeleton in children?
- Increased resilience to stress
- Thicker periosteum
- Shorter healing times
- Apophysis
What is a disadvantage for children regarding the immature skeleton?
- Misaligned fragments become solid sooner
- Bones may heal themselves in an improper position
What is the purpose of the thoracic cage?
- Protects the heart, lungs, liver, and spleen
- Expands chest cavity for inhalation
List the vertebrae of the vertebral column in order.
HINT: Cereal, Turkey, Lasagna, Snack, Chocolate
- Cervical
- Thoracic
- Lumbar
- Sacrum
- Coccyx
Synovial fluid is responsible for what?
- Lubrication of joints
- Nourishes cartilage
- Contain phagocytes to removes debris
What are bursae?
Small sacs of synovial fluid between joints and other structures
Tendons attach _____ to _____.
Muscle to bones
Ligaments connect _____ to _____.
Bones to bones
Do antagonistic muscles work with or against each other?
Work against each other
Synergistic muscles aid in what functions of the body?
- Fine motor control
- Maintain balance
Describe cardiac muscle.
- Involuntary
- Contracts spontaneously
Describe smooth muscle.
- Involuntary
- Found in the walls of hollow structures
- Contracts based on neuronal and hormonal influences
Describe skeletal muscle.
- Voluntary
- Contracts based on neuronal stimulation
Contractions of the skeletal muscle allow for what?
- Posture maintenance
- Body movement
- Heat production
- Facial expressions
Muscular atrophy is the result of what?
Immobility of muscular activity
Muscular hypertrophy is the result of what?
Increased muscular activity
The point of origin ____ move during contraction.
Does not
The point of insertion ____ move during contraction.
Does
Skeletal muscles require what in order to contract?
Electrolytes
Which electrolytes are necessary for muscle contraction?
- Calcium
- Sodium
- Potassium
Which electrolytes enter the muscle fibers?
- Calcium
- Sodium
Which electrolyte exits the muscle fibers?
Potassium
Are osteoarthritis and osteoporosis a normal part of the aging process?
No
What is joint crepitation?
Grating or crackling sound with joint movement
What six components should be assessed during a neurovascular assessment?
HINT: 6 P’s
- Pain
- Pallor
- Pulse
- Paresthesia
- Paralysis
- Pressure
What is a cause for concern when performing a muscle strength test? What might this indicate?
- Only one side of the body is presenting with weakness
- Might be indicative of an underlying neurological issue
What is the purpose of the muscle strength test?
Assesses for weakness and localizes a likely problem area
The muscle strength test should be performed _____.
Bilaterally
What is the normal range for calcium?
9.0 - 10.5
What is the normal range for phosphorus?
2.6 - 4.5
If the patients calcium level is elevated, the nurse knows that what other laboratory value will be elevated?
Phosphorus
An increase in ALP may be indicative of what?
- Bone abnormalities
- Formation of new bone
Too much of what lab value can damage the muscle?
Creatine Kinase
Where can oxygen molecules be stored?
Muscle tissue
Muscle breakdown causes what to be released into the bloodstream?
Myoglobin
The nurse knows these muscles are at risk if a patient presents with an elevated creatine kinase and myoglobin?
Cardiac muscle
Potassium aids in muscle _____.
Contraction
What electrolyte allows the heart to send electrical impulses?
Potassium
Which laboratory value is nonspecific?
ESR
X-rays are used to identify what?
- Soft tissue abnormalities
- Bony abnormalities
- Various trauma
What education should the nurse provide to the patient if they require an x-ray?
- Painless
- Importance of remaining still
If contrast dye is utilized, the nurse must verify what?
- Shellfish allergy
- Liver function
What is an arthroscopy?
- Surgical intervention used to visualize the inside of a joint
- Usually performed in the knee
What is an arthrocentesis?
- Collects synovial fluid from a joint capsule using a syringe
- Also known as joint aspiration
What is the preferred method of treatment for many musculoskeletal injuries?
R - Rest for 2-3 days
I - Ice inflammation 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours
C - Compression with elastic bandages (do not leave on while sleeping)
E - Elevate above level of the heart
Ask the ____ if they are satisfied with the level of pain control.
Patient
Which hours are critical for soft-tissue injuries?
The first 12 to 24 hours
What are soft-tissue injuries?
Injury to a muscle, tendon, or ligament
What is a sprain?
Excessive stretching of a ligament
What is a sTrain?
Excessive stretching of a Tendon or muscle
What are the clinical manifestations of soft-tissue injuries?
- Decreased ROM
- Pain
- Edema
- Decreased function
- Contusion (bruising)
Soft-tissue injuries are ____ _____.
Self limiting
What is dislocation?
When the ends of bones are forced from their normal position
Where do dislocations occur?
Joints
What should immediately follow a dislocation? Why?
- Immobilization or splinting
- To preserve function of extremity
What must be performed before treatment of the dislocation? Why?
- X-rays
- Determine the extent of the injury
A patient with a dislocated joint will lose range of motion in which direction of the joint?
Distally
What education should the nurse provide to a patient who has a dislocation?
A patient with a dislocated joint is at a greater risk for dislocations in the future
What is bursitis?
Inflammation of the bursa itself
What is the cause of bursitis?
Repetitive joint action or motion
What makes up the rotator cuff?
Muscles and tendons
How is a rotator cuff injury diagnosed?
MRI
What is carpel tunnel syndrome?
- Median nerve compression
- Swelling within the tunnel
What might a patient with carpel tunnel syndrome complain of?
- Pain
- Numbness
- Paresthesia
- Muscle weakness
- Possible fine motor deficits
What tests are used to diagnose carpel tunnel syndrome?
- Phalen’s sign
- Tinel’s sign
Explain Phalen’s sign?
- Forced flexion of patients hands for 30-60 seconds compressing the nerve
- Patient will experience burning, tingling, numbness
Explain Tinel’s sign.
- Light tapping over the nerve
- Patient will experience a tingling sensation
Who is at an increased risk for developing carpel tunnel syndrome? What can they do to mitigate this development?
- Secretaries
- Individuals who type
- Use wrist elevation pads
- Wrist splint
What is a fracture?
A break in the bone
What is the FIRST priority if a fracture is suspected?
- Immobilize the extremity!
- Splint the extremity
- RICE
Which types of fractures may result in limb shortening?
- Complete
- Complex
Should the nurse be concerned about bleeding with a broken bone/fracture?
Yes
What labs would the nurse want to assess in a patient with a fracture?
- Hemoglobin
- Hematocrit
- ESR
- Calcium