medsurg exam 3- musculoskeletal (acute)

cartilage

connective tissue

joints between bones

tendons

tough bands of fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone

bones

for structure and mineral storage

ligaments

connects bone to bone

articular capsule

joint capsule that seals the synovial fluid from the surrounding tissue

x-rays

strike a plate of sensors which then converts the signals into digital information

black and white

softer body tissues are black

hard body tissues are white

CT scan

generates a 3D image from 2D x-ray images taken around a rotation

MRI

very expensive

creates a detailed structure of every structure and organ inside the body

best imaging

sprain

ligament being stretched beyond its capacity

sx of sprain

pain

swelling

bruising

- ROM

grade I sprain

slight tearing or overstretching

no joint instability

minimal pain and swelling

slight bruising

able to bare weight

Grade II sprain

partial tearing of the ligament

moderate pain, bruising, and swelling

some loss of function

need x-ray or MRI

grade III sprain

complete tear

severe pain, swelling, and bruising

can’t bare weight

can require surgery

sprain tx

R rest - no additional force

I Ice - 10-15 mins at a time 3-4x/day

C compression - wrap for support- distal to proximal

E elevate - above the level of the heart

strain

muscle fiber tears

first degree strain

sudden overstretch or contraction of the muscle

second degree strain

strain partial tear of the muscle bleeding within the muscle

third degree strain

complete tear of the muscle

usually occurs when the muscle has previously been injured

what drugs make muscles more susceptible for tears?

steroids

dislocation

when bones in a joint become displaced or misaligned

subluxation

a partial dislocation

fracture

break in the continuity of the bone

result of high impact or stress

Bryant’s traction

mainly used in young children

both legs are in the air

Buck’s traction

longitudinal

non-constricting boot

Russel’s traction

for fractured femurs, hip, and knee contractures

uses sling

Dunlop’s traction

used for the upper arm

compartment syndrome

when pressure builds up from internal bleeding or swelling of tissues that can lead to amputation or death

what are the 5/6 p’s of compartment syndrome

pain

parathesia

pallor

paralysis

pulselessness

polar

fasciotomy

surgical procedure where the fascia is cut to relieve tension or pressure

used to treat compartment syndrome

what is the most common problem with fasciotomys?

damaging a nearby nerve

joint replacement surgery

used for RA, OA, necrosis, dislocation of the hip joint, hip displaysia, trauma

contusion

blunt force trauma to soft tissue

when the bone leaves the skin

compound fracture

non-union fracture

fractured bone not being able to heal after an extended period of time

what should you do with tractions?

let them hang freely and do not adjust them