Common Musculoskeletal Disorders

What is the primary goal of osteomyelitis care?

Prevention

Once diagnosed, what are the nursing priorities in osteomyelitis?

Pain management and maintaining mobility.

What is osteomyelitis?

A bone infection causing inflammation, necrosis, and new bone formation.

What are common signs and symptoms of osteomyelitis?

• Fever (often low-grade in afternoon/evening)

• Malaise

• Chills

• Signs of infection

What are the hallmark symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA)?

Pain, stiffness, inflammation, decreased mobility, and crepitus

Which joints are most commonly affected in OA?

Weight-bearing joints—hips, knees, cervical spine, and lumbar spine.

What structural changes can occur in OA over time?

Formation of osteophytes (bone spurs).

How is OA diagnosed?

Health history, physical assessment, and X-ray.

What are nursing management strategies for OA?

• Exercise, PT/OT

• Analgesics

• TENS unit

• Yoga, massage, music therapy

• Non-pharmacologic pain management

What is osteoporosis?

A disease causing decreased bone density, making bones porous, weak, and prone to fractures

How prevalent is osteoporosis?

Most common bone disease globally; causes ~1.5 million fractures/year.

What are risk factors for osteoporosis?

• Age, postmenopausal women

• Low BMI, poor nutrition

• Tobacco use

• History of fractures

• Long-term corticosteroids

• Malabsorption disorders

• Men >60

What is secondary osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis caused by medications or diseases affecting bone metabolism (e.g., cystic fibrosis).

What assessments are important for patients with osteoporosis?

• Physical assessment

• Mobility and falls risk assessment

What is the most important nursing intervention for osteoporosis?

Fall prevention! Through education, home safety, assistive devices, and risk identification.

What lifestyle interventions help prevent/manage osteoporosis?

• Calcium & nutrient-rich diet

• Weight management

• Weight-bearing exercise (e.g., walking, yoga)

What medications or supplements may be recommended for osteoporosis?

Calcium, magnesium, Vitamin D

Why should narcotics and muscle relaxants be used cautiously in osteoporosis?

They increase the risk of falls.

What should you educate older adults about calcium?

They absorb it less efficiently and excrete it more readily via kidneys

What is the osteoporosis prevalence in women over 80 years old?

About 50%.

What is the top nursing priority for patients with osteoporosis?

Prevention of falls.

What nursing interventions help reduce fall risk in osteoporosis?

• Conduct fall risk assessments

• Educate about home hazards (rugs, poor lighting, clutter)

• Encourage use of assistive devices (cane, walker)

• Promote use of non-skid footwear

• Raise awareness about medical equipment (e.g., oxygen tubing)

What physical assessments are important for osteoporosis patients?

• Mobility status

• Fall risk evaluation

• Postural stability

• Pain level

What are diet-related nursing considerations for osteoporosis

• Encourage calcium- and nutrient-rich diet

• Promote healthy weight management

What exercise is recommended for osteoporosis?

Weight-bearing exercises like walking or yoga—tailored to the patient's ability.

When should osteoporosis education start?

As early as adolescence for prevention.

What should patients be taught about medication risks?

Medications like narcotics (strong painkillers) and muscle relaxants can make a person dizzy, drowsy, or unsteady — which increases their chance of falling. Because of that, they should be used carefully, especially in older adults.

What supplements should be discussed in osteoporosis education?

Calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin D

What should older adults understand about calcium?

they absorb less and excrete more calcium through the kidneys.

What risk factors should men be educated about in osteoporosis?

Medication effects and medical diagnoses that affect bone density.

What are key risk factors for osteomyelitis?

• Open fractures or bone trauma

• Recent orthopedic surgery

• Poor circulation or vascular insufficiency

• Diabetes mellitus

• Immunocompromised states (e.g., HIV, chemotherapy)

• IV drug use

• Chronic infections or pressure ulcer