Physical Assessment: Musculoskeletal System Flashcards
Musculoskeletal System
- bones
- muscles
- joints
- provides shape and support to the body
- allows movement
- protects internal organs
- produces red blood cells in bone marrow
- stores calcium + phosphorus
Bone
complex living tissue that responds to nutrition, stress, and illness
Assessment of the musculoskeletal system includes
- evaluation of clients posture
- gait
- bone structure
- muscle function
- joint mobility
Basic Assessments: Body
- shape/symmetry
- posture
- gait
- spinal curvature
Basic Assessment: Balance
Rombergs Test
Basic Assessment: Coordination
- finger-thumb opposition
- fluid movement
Basic Assessments: Joint Mobility
- color change
- deformity
- crepitus
Basic Assessments: Muscle Strength
- Range of Motion (ROM)
- Resistance
Active ROM
requires the client to move the joint through its full range of motion (ROM)
Passive ROM
when the client is unable to exercise each joint independently
-you support the body and move each joint through its ROM
Skeletal Function
the ability of bones to support the body and facilitates movement
Indicators of Skeletal Function
- bone integrity= no fractures
- bone density= no osteoporosis
- joint movement= no arthritis
- joint stability
- weight bearing
- skeletal alignment
Crepitus
a grating sound heard of felt on movement
Supinate
palms up
Pronate
palms down
Common Joint Problems
- osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
Distal Joints
further away from the midline
Proximal Joint
closer to midline
Musculoskeletal Assessment
- has to do with resistance
- instruct patient to not allow you to push or pull
Contracture
shortening and tightening of a muscle limiting mobility
Normal Gait
- smooth heel toe steps
- arms swinging in opposite direction
- steady
Assessing Endurance
endurance–> how a patient is able to tolerate activity
Physiological or psychological factors can affect mobility such as
- vital sign changes
- dyspnea
- weakness
- pallor
- confusion
- vertigo
Normal Findings of Endurance/ Mobility
- ability to turn in bed
- maintain correct alignment when sitting or standing
- ambulate
- perform self care activities
