peds: musculoskeletal assessment Flashcards
When should musculoskeletal assessments occur?
At every opportunity.
What do gross and fine motor milestones provide?
Critical information about musculoskeletal development.
What are early indicators of musculoskeletal conditions?
Acute, localized pain.
How do muscle and joint disorders typically present?
They may develop insidiously (gradually).
Why is assessing gait important?
It can indicate multiple concerns.
Why should a childhood limp always be addressed?
Parents often underestimate its significance.
What are skeletal injuries often associated with?
Maltreatment.
What additional evaluations should be done in musculoskeletal assessments?
Safety evaluation and nutrition evaluation.
Why might long-term care and education be necessary for musculoskeletal disorders?
Some conditions can lead to permanent disability and require logistical planning for treatment.
What is the purpose of bone age studies?
To estimate skeletal maturity, predict growth duration, puberty onset, and final height.
How are bone age studies performed?
A single X-ray of the left wrist is compared to a standard atlas of bone development.
What are growth plates, and why are they important?
They are softer areas of bone with fewer minerals that appear darker on X-rays; fractures across them can impede growth and require careful monitoring.
What imaging techniques are used for musculoskeletal diagnostics?
X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound (limited use to avoid excess radiation).
What is a bone scan (scintigraphy) used for?
Identifying areas of increased metabolic activity to detect early bone issues.
What is a muscle or bone biopsy used to diagnose?
Infection, malignant bone growth, atrophy, and inflammation.
What is arthroscopy?
A procedure that allows direct visualization of joints using a camera, commonly used for sports injuries.
What safety education should be provided for musculoskeletal health?
Car seat safety, bike helmets, and sports injury awareness.
What sports injury awareness topics are important?
Concussions and the use of protective gear.
What key nutrients support musculoskeletal health?
Vitamin D and calcium.
Why is adolescence a key period for bone health?
It is essential for building calcium stores for adult bone density.
What are the types of immobilization for musculoskeletal disorders?
Casting, boots/splints, crutches, and traction.
What materials are casts made from?
Plaster of Paris or fiberglass; some are waterproof.
What are the concerns with casting?
Skin integrity, muscle atrophy, and compartment syndrome.
How does traction work?
It immobilizes fractures using counter-pulling weight.
What are the risks of traction?
Skin breakdown, infection, and muscle wasting.
How long is traction typically used?
3-5 weeks.
How often should circulation and nerve function be checked in traction patients?
Every 4 hours.
What is an open reduction?
Surgical repair of fractures with the insertion of rods or screws, followed by casting.
What are growing pains?
Muscle pain (often in the calf) in preschool or school-aged children, usually occurring at night.
What can trigger growing pains?
New shoes or vigorous activity.
Where should growing pains not be felt?
In the joints.
Why should adolescents with nighttime leg pain be evaluated?
To check for restless leg syndrome, which can mimic growing pains.
