N163 - Quiz 6 Concepts

What is gout?

• Joint inflammation caused by sodium urate crystals in joint

• Result of elevated levels of serum uric acid

• Most commonly affected joint is the great toe

• Acute or chronic

• Affected joint becomes hot, reddened, and tender. Can be severe and interfere with mobility, self-care, and functional abilities. Chills and fever may be present

What is osteoarthritis?

• Degenerative joint disease

• Noninflammatory disease of joints characterized by progressive articular cartilage deterioration and formation of new bone in joint space

• When joint cartilage is lost, two bone surfaces come into contact with each other, resulting in joint pain

• Causes → Age, trauma, lifestyle, obesity, and genetics

• Most common type of arthritis

What is a hip fracture?

• Type of fracture - Most disabling type

• Complications of hip fracture generally include related to immobility

• Classified by location - Intracapsular (within capsule of joint) or extracapsular (outside capsule of joint)

• Affected extremity is extremely rotated and shortened with tenderness and severe pain

• 25% pts with hip fractures die within 1 year after injury

What is osteoporosis?

• Reduction in bone mass and loss of bone strength

• Common in postmenopausal women

• Causes → Renal/Hepatic failure, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, T1DM, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic kidney disease

• Risk factors → Heredity and genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and age

• Risk factors can be modified! Changes in calcium intake, exercise, cigarette smoking, and consumption of alcoholic beverages

What are serious complication and implications of a fall for an elderly patient?

• Hip fracture

• Loss of mobility

• Loss of independence

• Increased risk of morality

• Psychological effects

• Osteoporosis

• Complication from immobility

• Financial burden

What are interventions to enhance QoL for patients with osteoarthritis?

• Pain management

• Promote mobility and joint function

• Joint protection strategies — Assistive devices

• Weight management

• Encourage rest and activity balance

• Education on self-care

• Emotional and social support

What are interventions of osteoarthritis?

• Surgery

• Joint protection and energy conservation

• Heat and cold therapy

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, topical drugs, and injected steroids

What are priorities for addressing concerns with sexuality and intercourse for older adults?

• Normalize the conversation

• Use therapeutic communication

• Address individual needs and concerns

• Respect privacy and confidentiality

• Consider age-related physiological changes

• Address medical and medication impacts

• Include partner if appropriate

• Acknowledge diverse sexual identities

• Provides education and resource

Why is pain under-reported with older adults?

• Fear of more tests and medicines

• Do not want to be complainers

• Fear of losing their independence

• Belief that pain is a normal part of aging

• Fear of addiction or side effects

What are goals with pain management?

• Listen

• Relief from pain

• Control of chronic disease conditions causing pain

• Maintenance of mobility and functional status

• Promotion of self-care and maximum independence

• Improved QoL