Health Alt: Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, and Bone Health Lecture

These vocabulary flashcards cover the pathophysiology, diagnostics, treatments, and nursing interventions for osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, fractures, and gout as discussed in the lecture.

Osteoporosis

A chronic disease characterized by significant bone loss and deterioration of bone structure, often resulting in a Swiss cheese appearance and high risk for fractures.

Osteomalacia

Bone loss specifically related to a lack of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb and use calcium effectively.

Osteopenia

A clinical term used to describe the loss of bone mass that is not yet severe enough to be classified as osteoporosis.

Bone Mineral Density (BMD)

A key diagnostic marker and baseline assessment used to identify an individual's risk for fractures.

DEXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry)

The gold standard imaging study used to assess bone mineral density in the hip and spine.

Kyphosis

A thoracic curvature of the middle spine, often seen in older adults with significant bone loss, also referred to as a Dowager's hump.

Bisphosphonates

A class of osteoporosis medications that must be taken on an empty stomach and require the patient to sit upright for a period to avoid esophageal irritation.

SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators)

Medications that mimic estrogen to support bone health; nursing priorities include monitoring the patient for blood clots and liver infection.

Osteoarthritis

A progressive wear-and-tear disease involving the deterioration and loss of articular cartilage at the joints.

Crepitus

A grating or popping sensation felt or heard in the joint during movement, often caused by irregular cartilage or joint surfaces.

Acetaminophen

The gold standard medication for decreasing inflammation and managing pain in patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA)

A surgical procedure to replace the hip joint; post-operative precautions include not bending at the waist more than 90 degrees.

Open Fracture

A break or disruption in the bone where the skin is also breached, putting the patient at significant risk for infection.

Acute Compartment Syndrome

A limb-threatening emergency where internal swelling from a fracture pushes on nerves and blood vessels, leading to neurovascular compromise.

Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES)

A complication of long bone fractures where fat globules enter the bloodstream, potentially causing respiratory failure and a classic petechial rash.

Spinal Stenosis

The narrowing of the spinal canal, nerve root canals, or foramina, commonly caused by infection, trauma, or osteoarthritis.

Cauda Equina Syndrome

A serious condition involving nerve involvement that results in the sudden loss of bowel and bladder control, requiring immediate surgical intervention.

Ergonomics

The study and design of उपकरण (equipment) and workplace tasks, such as using mechanical lifts and standing desks, to promote body mechanics and prevent back injury.

Phantom Limb Pain (PLP)

Cronic or acute pain perceived by an individual in a limb or body part that has been surgically or traumatically removed.

Figure-eight wrapping

A nursing intervention for residual limbs post-amputation used to shrink and shape the limb to ensure a proper fit for a prosthetic device.

Prone positioning

A physical therapy technique used after an amputation to help prevent the development of hip contractures.

Gout

A type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the deposit of uric acid crystals in the joints, often manifesting with severe pain in the great toe.

Purines

Chemical compounds found in foods such as red meat, shellfish, and organ meats that break down into uric acid and can trigger gout flares.

Colchicine

A medication specifically used to treat acute gouty flares, typically administered within the first 24 hours of onset.

Allopurinol

A medication commonly prescribed for the chronic long-term management of gout to prevent future uric acid crystal accumulation.