Bone Tumors and Spinal Conditions

Flashcards covering bone tumors (etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis), assessment techniques like the Blanching Test, and spinal conditions such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis, along with relevant nursing diagnoses.

What are the two main classifications for bone tumors regarding their origin?

Primary or secondary

What are the two main classifications for bone tumors regarding their severity?

Benign or malignant

What type of tumor is an osteogenic sarcoma?

A primary malignant bone tumor

Who is most often affected by osteogenic sarcoma?

Males ages 10-25

How does osteogenic sarcoma typically metastasize?

Via the bloodstream

Describe the growth and aggression characteristics of osteogenic sarcoma.

Fast-growing and aggressive

What type of tumor is an osteochondroma?

A benign bone tumor

Who is most often affected by osteochondroma?

Males ages 10-30

Can osteochondroma appear as a single or multiple tumors?

May be a single tumor or multiple tumors

List some common signs and symptoms of bone tumors.

Spontaneous fractures, anemia, pain (especially with weight bearing), and edema and discoloration of skin at the site

What are some diagnostic tests used for bone tumors?

Radiography studies, bone scan, bone biopsy, CBC, platelet count, serum protein levels, and serum alkaline phosphatase level

What are the primary treatment methods for bone tumors?

Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation

What surgical options are available for treating bone tumors?

Wide excision or resection, bone curettage, and leg or arm amputation

What factors influence the choice of surgical treatment for bone tumors?

Tumor size, location, and extent of tissue involvement

What is the role of chemotherapy and radiation in treating bone tumors?

To decrease tumor size or tissue involvement before surgery, and for limb-salvage procedures

What is the approximate 5-year survival rate for aggressive bone tumor treatment?

Approximately 50%

What is the purpose of the Blanching Test (Capillary Nail Refill)?

To signal circulation status

How is the Blanching Test performed?

Compress each fingernail or toenail, release the pressure, and note how quickly the pink color returns to the nail bed

What is a normal result for the Blanching Test?

Color should return to normal within 2 seconds

What is scoliosis?

Lateral curvature of the spine

What is kyphosis?

A rounding of the thoracic spine, creating a hump-backed appearance

What is lordosis?

An increase in the curve at the lumbar region

List some common nursing diagnoses for patients with musculoskeletal disorders or bone tumors.

Impaired physical mobility, activity intolerance, ineffective coping, anxiety (related to changes in body integrity), pain (related to musculoskeletal disorder), deficient knowledge (regarding therapeutic regimen), and risk for disuse syndrome