AH1 Inflammation

Inflammation

An immunologic defense against tissue injury, infection, and allergies.

Signs of Inflammation

Heat, swelling, pain, redness.

Purpose of Inflammation

Increase vasodilation and permeability; activate the immune system.

External Non-Microbial Triggers

Allergens, irritants, toxic compounds.

Microbial Triggers

Viruses, bacteria.

Innate Immune Response

Non-specific, rapid, no memory; includes physical and chemical barriers.

Adaptive Immune Response

Specific, diverse, has memory of pathogens.

Hypersensitivity (Allergies)

Overactive immune response causing excessive inflammation.

Type I Hypersensitivity

Rapid or immediate allergic reaction.

Type II Hypersensitivity

Cytotoxic reaction involving antibodies.

Type III Hypersensitivity

Immune complex-mediated inflammation.

Type IV Hypersensitivity

Delayed response, T-cell mediated.

Major Complications of Inflammation

Anaphylaxis, angioedema.

Nursing Interventions (Inflammation)

Assess, prevent, treat.

Arthritis

Inflammation of one or more joints; can be inflammatory or non-inflammatory.

Osteoarthritis

Degeneration of joint cartilage; “wear and tear”; non-inflammatory.

Heberden and Bouchard Nodes

Bony enlargements in fingers seen in osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory disease of synovial joints.

Early Joint Symptoms of RA

Inflammation, pain, swelling, morning stiffness.

Systemic Symptoms of RA

Fatigue, low-grade fever, weakness, anorexia, weight loss.

Advanced Joint Symptoms of RA

Deformities like swan neck, boutonniere, ulnar deviation.

Systemic Complications of RA

Anemia, subcutaneous nodules, vasculitis, pericarditis, etc.

RA Lab Tests

RF, Anti-CCP, ANA, ESR, hsCRP.

Osteoarthritis Diagnostic Tests

Aspirated joint fluid, ESR, hsCRP, X-ray, MRI.

RA Medications

NSAIDs (with H2 blockers), methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, immunosuppressants.

Non-Pharmacologic Interventions (RA)

Pain management, promote independence, time activities, diet help.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Compression of median nerve in wrist; causes pain, numbness; repetitive injury.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel

Repetitive use, edema, hemorrhage, fractures, burns, diabetes.

Treatment of Carpal Tunnel

Prevention (ergonomics), surgery.

Amputation

Removal of a body part; can be elective or traumatic.

Levels of Lower Extremity Amputation

Toes, Syme, BKA (below knee), AKA (above knee).

Amputation Complications

Hemorrhage, infection, phantom limb pain, neuroma, contractures.

Emergency Care (Traumatic Amputation)

Call 911, elevate limb, apply pressure, wrap and cool the severed part.

Nursing Interventions (Amputation)

Assessment, pain management, education.