Chapter 30: The Musculoskeletal System study guide

What are the four major types of bones?

Short, long, flat, irregular.

What is a joint?

Where two bones meet.

What does 'range of motion' mean?

How far/easily a joint can move in any direction.

What is the difference between ligaments and cartilage?

Ligaments attach bone to bone; cartilage is between bones and acts as shock absorbers.

What are the three types of muscle tissue?

Cardiac (found in heart), smooth (found in internal hollow organs), and skeletal (attached to bones by tendons).

How are skeletal muscles connected to bones?

By tendons.

List three types of movements skeletal muscles allow.

Flexion-extension, abduction-adduction, supination-pronation.

What is the role of red bone marrow?

Production of red blood cells.

What are three age-related changes affecting the musculoskeletal system?

Loss of bone tissue, loss of muscle mass (atrophy), wear and tear on joints.

How can age-related musculoskeletal changes be prevented or slowed?

Regular exercise, stretching, and good diet.

What is osteoporosis?

Excessive loss of bone tissue.

Why is osteoporosis more common in older women?

Hormone change with menopause.

What spine deformity can result from osteoporosis?

Upper back curvature deformity.

List three ways to help prevent osteoporosis.

Exercise regularly, diet rich in calcium, protein, and vitamin D.

List three ways to care for a patient with osteoporosis.

Be gentle, encourage good nutrition and hydration, encourage light exercise.

What happens to the cartilage in osteoarthritis?

Cartilage is worn away, leading to swollen, stiff, and painful joints.

Why is an abduction pillow used after hip joint replacement surgery?

Keeps legs in proper position.

How far should a patient's hips be flexed when sitting in a chair after hip surgery?

Hips flexed no more than 90 degrees.

What causes gout and which joint does it affect most often?

Big toe; caused by diet and medications.

What is a fracture?

A break in the bone.

Who is at higher risk for fractures?

Older people.

What is the difference between a closed fracture and an open fracture?

Closed is still within the skin; open is outside the skin.

What are three guidelines for caring for a person with a cast?

Keep it dry, check for circulation, do not insert objects into the cast.

Why should weights never rest on the floor for a patient in traction?

It could prevent proper alignment of the fractures.

Why is it recommended to work from the top of the bed to the foot when changing linens for a patient with a fracture?

Limits patient movement and minimizes disruption to the affected limb.

What type of bedpan will a patient in traction need and why?

Fracture bedpan is needed.

What two factors put older adults at high risk for hip fractures?

Tendency to fall; fragile bones (think osteoporosis).

Why is a patient who had a hip fracture at risk for another?

They may fall again.

What kind of care does a patient typically need during recovery from a hip fracture?

Rehab.

Name three techniques to prevent complications of immobility and maintain musculoskeletal function.

Range-of-motion exercises, application of heat or cold, physical therapy.

How often should range-of-motion (ROM) exercises be performed?

Twice a day.

What is the difference between active, passive, and active-assistive range-of-motion exercises?

Passive- cannot move at all; active- can move a little; active-assistive- can help themselves.

List three complications that range-of-motion exercises can help prevent.

Contractures, muscle weakness, brittle bones.