Orthopaedic Nursing Terminology and Concepts

A series of 80 flashcards focused on vocabulary terms and definitions related to orthopaedic nursing, covering fractures, arthritis, osteoporosis, and other relevant topics.

Bone Fracture

A break or a crack in a bone.

Closed Fracture

A simple fracture where the bone is broken but the skin remains intact.

Open Fracture

A compound fracture where the broken bone penetrates through the skin.

Open Reduction

Surgical repair method for fractures involving internal or external fixation.

Closed Reduction

Manual realignment of a fractured bone without surgery, often requiring a cast.

Compartment Syndrome

A condition where increased pressure within a muscle compartment compromises circulation and function.

Traumatic Causes of Compartment Syndrome

Includes forceful trauma, severe burns, constricting dressings, or penetrating injuries to a compartment.

Symptoms of Compartment Syndrome

Pain, normal or decreased pulse, cyanosis, tingling, weakness, and severe pain with passive movement.

Fat Emboli

Fat globules entering the bloodstream, often following long bone fractures or hip surgeries.

Symptoms of Fat Emboli

Neurologic signs, pulmonary insufficiency, petechial rash on chest or upper arms.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

A blood clot forming in a deep vein, commonly in lower extremities post-surgery.

DVT Risk Factors

Age, general anesthesia, infection, venous stasis, smoking, hypercoagulability.

Arthritis

A chronic disease affecting joints, with over 100 types identified.

Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis, characterized by the degeneration of joint cartilage.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own joint tissues.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Morning stiffness lasting 10-30 minutes, primarily affects weight-bearing joints.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Morning stiffness lasting over one hour, systemic effects, affecting small joints symmetrically.

Osteoporosis

A condition causing bones to become thin and porous, increasing fracture risk.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

Age above 65, family history, history of fractures, long-term corticosteroid use, early menopause.

Prevalence of Osteoporosis in Canada

Affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men; a common cause of fractures.

Consequences of Osteoporotic Fractures

High healthcare costs, increased morbidity, and risk of re-fracture.

Infection in Orthopaedics

Most commonly caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis or aureus, leading to joint pain and swelling.

Cast Care Key Points

Handle wet casts carefully, keep them dry and clean, elevate limb, assess skin integrity.

Skin Traction

A method to maintain alignment of fractures, using weights and pulleys.

BKA

Below the knee amputation.

AKA

Above the knee amputation.

Amputation Causes

Often results from peripheral vascular disease, frequently seen in diabetic patients.

Health Impact of Fractures

Fractures significantly consume healthcare resources and can lead to long-term care needs.

DVT Assessment Findings

Increased temperature, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the affected extremity.

Fracture Healing Time

Generally ranges from 3-12 weeks depending on various factors.

Constrictive Bandages

Can be a cause of compartment syndrome due to increased pressure.

Fat globules

Substance released from bone marrow during fat emboli.

Osteoporotic Fractures

Most common in hip, spine, wrist, and shoulder.

Arthritis Statistics

Over 100 types of arthritis exist, with 1 in 5 Canadians affected.

Silent Thief

Nickname for osteoporosis, as it progresses with few noticeable symptoms.

Thromboprophylaxis

Preventive measures to reduce the risk of DVT post-surgery.

Petechial Rash

Small red or purple spots on the body caused by bleeding under the skin, associated with fat emboli.

Morning Stiffness

Characteristic symptom of arthritis, duration varies by type.

Fragility Fracture

A fracture that occurs from a fall from standing height or less.

Joint Involvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Typically symmetrical and affects small joints first.

Healthcare Costs of Fractures

Hip fractures lead to significant financial burdens on healthcare systems.

Osteopenia

Lower than normal bone density, a precursor to osteoporosis.

Degrees of Amputation

Refers to whether the amputation is above or below the knee.

Neurologic Signs

Confusion or altered level of consciousness indicative of fat emboli.

Peripheral Pulse Change

A potential symptom of compartment syndrome, indicating reduced blood flow.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin resulting from poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation.

Postoperative Complications

Issues such as DVT or compartment syndrome that might arise following surgical procedures.

Patient Education for Fractures

Involves understanding healing, signs of complications, and care requirements.

Joint Drainage Symptom

Draining around a joint may indicate an infectious process.

Osteoarthritis Progression

Generally a slow and irreversible decline in joint health.

Impact of Diabetes on Amputation

Diabetes significantly increases the risk of lower limb amputations.

Assessment Tools for DVT

Procedures to evaluate the risk and presence of deep vein thrombosis.

Spinal Fractures

Often associated with osteoporosis, affecting the vertebral structures.

Risk Management in Fractures

Protocol to assess, prevent, and manage potential complications.

Joint Pain Symptoms

Pain associated with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Healthcare Strategies for Osteoporosis

Guidelines for medication and care following hip fractures.

Fracture Risk Increasing Age

Age is a major determinant of fracture risk, particularly in osteoporotic individuals.

Common Misconceptions about Osteoarthritis

It is not just an old person's disease; younger individuals can also be affected.

Pediatric Considerations for Fractures

Identification and management of fractures in younger populations.