Alterations in Mobility and Musculoskeletal Disorders Review

A collection of 40 vocabulary flashcards covering nursing concepts for mobility alterations, musculoskeletal disorders, and related patient care protocols.

Physical therapy

The professional discipline a nurse should partner with to assist a stroke patient with mobility.

Comorbidities of mobility problems

Conditions that frequently occur alongside mobility issues, such as an ankle fracture, sprain, or stroke.

Synovial fluid

The fluid in the musculoskeletal system that lubricates the joints to facilitate movement.

Nursing judgment

The assessment used to determine a patient's level of movement when their ability to transfer or stand is unknown.

First 48 hours injury protocol

The nursing function of immobilizing the affected part and applying ice immediately following an injury.

Second 48 hours injury protocol

The nursing function of applying heat to an injury after the initial immobilization and icing period.

Synovitis

A condition characterized by edema in the upper extremities within the synovial joints.

Stress fracture

A bone injury that can result from repeated injury in the same area or excessive exercise.

Laminectomy

A surgical procedure on the back often required by elderly patients suffering from spinal stenosis.

Spinal stenosis

The specific disease process that frequently causes elderly patients to require a laminectomy.

Synovitis flare-up

A symptom pattern where pain and swelling in the synovial joints increase significantly at night.

Mechanical injury

An injury, such as a herniated disc, where pain is triggered by movement or action.

Proprioception

The spatial awareness that, when compromised by environmental factors, increases fall risk in older individuals.

Age-related mobility loss

The loss of muscle mass, coordination, and the power required to perform tasks like climbing stairs.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by demineralization caused by the loss of cancellous and cortisol tissue in the bone.

Thoracic spine

The specific part of the body most significantly affected by osteoporosis, resulting in pain and stiffness.

Osteoporosis symptom pattern

Joint stiffness and pain that is most severe in the morning but improves as the patient moves.

Adjusting to amputation

The clinical observation that patients will adapt to an altered body image regardless of their age.

Open fracture risk

The primary concern for a fracture where the skin is not intact, specifically the risk for infection.

OOB (Out of Bed) nursing intervention

Scheduling a patient to be out of bed during the morning, afternoon, evening, and at meal times to prevent immobility risks.

Range of Motion (ROM) exercises

Nursing interventions, which can be active or passive, used to prevent the chronic loss of function.

Posture education

Instructions provided to patients to help maintain balance, strengthen the core, and prevent back pain from becoming chronic.

Degenerative disc disease

Weakening of the discs, joints, or spine that is specifically related to age rather than trauma or sports.

Bone health diet

A nutritional plan high in calcium, specifically including green leafy vegetables, to maintain calcium levels.

Compartmental syndrome

A condition of poor circulation to a body part that may necessitate a fasciectomy.

Safety handle bars

An environmental modification recommended in the bathroom for elderly patients sent home under homecare.

Orthostatic hypotension

A condition in elderly patients where changing positions causes a drop in blood pressure, creating a high risk for falls.

Sprain

An injury involving damage specifically to the tendons and ligaments.

Musculoskeletal mobility priority group

A group of patients with arthritis, amputation, fractures, or sprains, notably excluding cardiovascular patients.

Cerebral atrophy supportive care

A multidisciplinary approach including physical therapy, a dietician, ROM exercises, and the use of assistive devices.

Child safety in school

The primary concern for a child with cerebral atrophy within the educational setting.

Osteoarthritis (OA) signs

A clinical presentation including joint pain, stiffening, and crepitus.

Active ROM

Exercises performed by the patient themselves to improve mobility and strengthen muscles.

Passive ROM

Exercises performed on a patient by a nurse or therapist to prevent contractures and maintain flexibility.

Contractures

The permanent shortening of muscles or joints that ROM exercises are designed to prevent.

Demineralization

The loss of bone mineral content in osteoporosis that active exercises can help prevent.

Proper ROM technique

Reducing stress at all angles and ensuring the nurse bends the patient's body at the joints.

Toddler hip dysplasia

A condition where the hips are the most affected area, resulting in limited ROM.

Acute patient prioritization

The nursing priority system that identifies a patient who recently fell as more urgent than those with nausea or IV issues.

Fall risk safety measures

The use of side rails for patients at risk of falling or those experiencing Altered Mental Status (AMS).