Davis Advantage Medical-Surgical Nursing: Osteoarthritis

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, anatomical sites, manifestations, medical management, surgery, complications, and nursing process care for osteoarthritis based on Davis Advantage Medical-Surgical Nursing Chapter 20.

Connective Tissues

Tissues that cover, support, and protect structures and organs, aid in movement, and include bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, lymphatic tissue, and bone marrow.

Osteoarthritis (Epidemiology)

The most common form of arthritis in the United States, affecting approximately $27\text{ million}$ people and standing as a leading cause of chronic disability.

Osteoarthritis Risk Factors

Predisposing factors including advanced age ($0.1\%$ of $25\text{ to }34$-year-olds affected; $80\%$ over age $55$ affected), female sex, obesity, and occupation.

Pathophysiology of Osteoarthritis

A degenerative process involving cartilage loss, unprotected bone, deterioration of joint function, synovial membrane thickening, restriction of joint movement, and muscle atrophy.

Common Joints Affected by Osteoarthritis

Specific joints vulnerable to degenerative changes, including the cervical spine, lumbar spine, hips, knees, first carpometacarpal joint (thumb), distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints, proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, and first metatarsophalangeal joint (big toe).

Heberden's Node

A bony swelling or prominence formed at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint of the hand due to osteoarthritis.

Bouchard's Node

A bony enlargement occurring at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the hand in patients with osteoarthritis.

Structural Pathologies of Knee Osteoarthritis

Joint-level alterations visible in diseased joints, including worn-down cartilage, fibrillated cartilage, narrowed joint space, subchondral bone sclerosis, subchondral bone cysts, osteophytes, a thickened capsule, and a thickened and inflamed synovium.

Crepitus

A grating, cracking, or popping sound or sensation produced by friction between bone and cartilage surfaces during joint movement.

Clinical Manifestations of Osteoarthritis

Characteristic signs and symptoms consisting of progressive pain over time, decreased range of motion, tenderness to touch, swelling, and crepitus.

Diagnostic Tools for Osteoarthritis

Assessment components used to confirm osteoarthritis, including patient medical history, laboratory testing, and radiographs.

Medical Management Goals for Osteoarthritis

Treatment objectives focused on decreasing pain and maintaining mobility through nonpharmacological therapy and pharmacotherapy.

Pharmacological Therapy for Osteoarthritis

Drug classes and modalities utilized for symptom relief, including acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, and opioids.

Surgical Management of Osteoarthritis

Operative interventions utilized when conservative management fails, consisting of arthroscopic irrigation and/or debridement, synovectomy, and surgical fusion.

Synovectomy

A surgical procedure involving the excision or removal of the inflamed and thickened synovial membrane from an affected joint.

Surgical Fusion

An operative technique (arthrodesis) that fuses joint surfaces together to eliminate joint motion and alleviate severe pain.

Complications of Osteoarthritis

Secondary systemic disorders associated with osteoarthritis and associated physical limitations, specifically diabetes and heart failure.

Assessment and Clinical Findings in Osteoarthritis

Clinical abnormalities and assessment parameters identified by the nurse, including unsteady gait, swelling, fatigue, painful range of motion (ROM), elevated serum creatinine, elevated liver enzymes, and constipation.

Nursing Diagnoses for Osteoarthritis

Standard nursing care diagnoses associated with osteoarthritis, including pain, ineffective sleep patterns, and self-care deficit.

Nursing Assessment Interventions for Osteoarthritis

Routine monitoring procedures performed by the nurse, including checking vital signs, tracking body weight, evaluating skin integrity, and reviewing serum creatinine levels.

Nursing Action Interventions for Osteoarthritis

Direct clinical actions taken by the nurse, including administering analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications, applying cold packs, and applying heat pads.

Patient Teaching Interventions for Osteoarthritis

Guidance instructing patients to take medications as prescribed; report chest pain, abdominal pain, or abnormal bleeding; engage in regular physical activity; and access occupational therapy, physical therapy, orthopedic surgery, and home health referrals.

Care Outcome Evaluation Criteria for Osteoarthritis

Expected patient outcomes demonstrating effective care, defined as maintaining normal function, achieving pain control, and demonstrating unrestricted movement.