Nursing Management of the Adult with Musculoskeletal Disorders

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to the musculoskeletal system and its disorders, aimed at helping students recall essential information for nursing management.

Musculoskeletal System

The system comprising bones, joints, and muscles that provides protection, support, and movement.

Osteoblasts

Bone cells responsible for the formation of bone by secreting bone matrix.

Osteoclasts

Bone cells that resorb and remodel bone, located in Howship lacunae.

Osteoporosis

A condition where bones become porous, brittle, and fragile due to altered bone turnover.

Arthroplasty

A surgical procedure to replace or repair a damaged joint.

Autoimmune Disease

A condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues; an example is Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Bursa Sac

A small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues of the body, especially around joints.

Degenerative Joint Disorder

A type of joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and bone, commonly seen in Osteoarthritis.

Synovial Fluid

A viscous fluid found in the cavities of synovial joints that reduces friction between articular cartilages during movement.

Age-Related Changes

Physical changes that occur in the musculoskeletal system with aging, such as loss of bone mass and increased stiffness.

Calcium

An essential mineral vital for bone formation and maintenance.

Ligaments

Tissues that connect bones to other bones at a joint, providing stability.

Joint Capsule

A sac-like structure that surrounds and protects a joint, containing synovial fluid.

Muscle Atrophy

The wasting or loss of muscle tissue, often due to disuse or injury.

Fracture

A break in a bone that can occur due to trauma, falls, or conditions like osteoporosis.

Rom

Range of Motion, a measure of the distance and direction a joint can move to its full potential.

Chondrolysis

The degeneration of cartilage, often leading to joint immobility and pain.