303 Hinkle PrepU Chapter 41: Management of Patients With Musculoskeletal Disorders

A healthcare provider asks a nurse to test a client for Tinel's sign to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. What should the nurse do to perform this assessment?

have the client hold the palm of their hand up while then nurse percusses over the median nerve If tingling, numbness, or pain is felt when the median nerve is percussed, then Tinel's sign is considered positive. To test for Tinel's sign have the client hold the palm of the hand up while the nurse percusses over the median nerve. The client making a fist and pushing will test strength resistance. The client stretching fingers around a ball will not test for Tinel's sign. Having the client pronate the hand and palpating the radial nerve is not Tinel's sign used for carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis.

A nurse is performing discharge teaching for an elderly client with osteoporosis. Which instruction about a calcium supplement should the nurse include?

taking the supplement with meals or with orange juice Calcium supplements should be taken with meals or with a beverage high in vitamin C for increased absorption. Calcium supplements are taken daily, not weekly. There are no special instructions about staying upright when taking calcium supplements.

A provider prescribes a subcutaneous anabolic agent for an older adult client to prevent fractures associated with osteoporosis. What is the most likely prescribed drug?

teriparatide Teriparatide (Forteo) is a subcutaneously administered anabolic agent that is taken once daily. The other drug choices are oral preparations.

During a routine physical examination of a client, the nurse observes a flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of two toes on the right foot. How would the nurse document this finding?

hammer toe Hammer toe is a flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint and may involve several toes. Mallet toe is a flexion deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP), and also can affect several toes. Hallux valgus, also called a bunion, is a deformity of the great (large) toe at its metatarsophalangeal joint.

Which is a risk-lowering strategy for osteoporosis?

smoking cessation Risk-lowering strategies include increased dietary calcium and vitamin D intake, smoking cessation, alcohol and caffeine consumption in moderation, and outdoor activity. Individual risk factors include low initial bone mass and increased age. A lifestyle risk factor is a diet low in calcium and vitamin D.

Which common problem of the upper extremity results from entrapment of the median nerve at the wrist?

carpal tunnel syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome is commonly due to repetitive hand activities. A ganglion is a collection of gelatinous material near the tendon sheaths and joints that appears as a round, firm, cystic swelling, usually on the dorsum of the wrist. Dupuytren's contracture is a slowly progressive contracture of the palmar fascia. Impingement syndrome is associated with the shoulder and may progress to a rotator cuff tear.

Which are true about Lyme disease? Select all that apply.

- If untreated, the disease moves through three stages. - Early stage symptoms may include a red macule or papule at the site of the tick bite, a characteristic bullseye rash with round rings around the center, headache, neck stiffness, pain, fever, chills, malaise, nausea, vomiting, and sore throat. - Cardiac and neurologic symptoms occur mid-stage, followed by arthritis and joint problems. If untreated, the disease moves through three stages. Early stage symptoms may include a red macule or papule at the site of the tick bite, a characteristic bullseye rash with round rings around the center, headache, neck stiffness, pain, fever, chills, malaise, nausea, vomiting, and sore throat. Cardiac and neurologic symptoms occur mid-stage, followed by arthritis and joint problems. There is no kidney involvement with Lyme disease.

A client with diabetes punctured his foot with a broken acorn in the yard. Within a week, the client developed osteomyelitis of the foot. The client was admitted for IV antibiotic therapy. How long does the nurse anticipate the client will receive IV antibiotics?

3-6 weeks Identification of the causative organism to initiate appropriate and ongoing antibiotic therapy for infection control. IV antibiotic therapy is administered for 3 to 6 weeks. Oral antibiotics then follow for as long as 3 months.

The client diagnosed with osteosarcoma is scheduled for a surgical amputation. Which nursing diagnosis would be a priority for this client compared with other surgical clients?

disturbed body image Amputation of a body part can result in disturbances in body image.

A client presents to the emergency department with fever, chills, restlessness, and limited movement of a fractured jaw. What complication should the nurse interpret as the findings?

osteomyelitis Clinical manifestations of osteomyelitis include signs and symptoms of sepsis and localized infection. A client with avascular necrosis does not have fever and chills. Clients with fat emboli will have a rash and breathing complications. A client with compartment syndrome will have numbness, not a fever.

A nurse is caring for a client who's experiencing septic arthritis. This client has a history of immunosuppressive therapy and the immune system is currently depressed. Which assignment is the most appropriate for the nurse caring for this client?

the nurse is caring for this client on the intensive care unit This client is critically ill; the diagnosis and immunosuppression place the client at a high risk for infection. The most appropriate place for this client is in an intensive care unit, where the nurse can focus exclusively on health promotion. This client shouldn't be on the oncology floor. This client requires close monitoring. The nurse caring for this client shouldn't also be caring for other clients who may require frequent interventions.

Which of the following was formerly called a bunion?

hallux valgus Hallux valgus (commonly called a bunion) is a deformity in which the great toe deviates laterally. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the foot-supporting fascia, present as an acute onset of heel pain experienced with the first steps in the morning. Morton's neuroma is a swelling of the third (lateral) branch of the median plantar nerve. A ganglion, a collection of gelatinous material near the tendon sheaths and joints, appears as a round, firm compressible cystic swelling, usually on the dorsum of the wrist.

A client is admitted with acute osteomyelitis that developed after an open fracture of the right femur. When planning this client's care, the nurse should anticipate which measure?

Administering large doses of IV antibiotics as ordered Treatment of acute osteomyelitis includes large doses of I.V. antibiotics (after blood cultures identify the infecting organism). Surgical drainage may be indicated, and the affected bone is immobilized. The client usually requires I.V. fluids to maintain hydration, but oral intake isn't necessarily prohibited.

A client is evaluated for a diagnosis of Paget's disease. Which laboratory value would the nurse find to confirm the diagnosis?

Alkaline phosphate of 165 IU/L (2750 mmol/L) The normal range for alkaline phosphate level is 20 to 140 IU/L. An elevated serum concentration of alkaline phosphate reflects increased osteoblastic activity and is seen in clients with Paget's disease. A calcium level of 9.2 (2.3 mmol/L) is normal. A urinary creatinine level of 0.95 mg/dL (83.98 mmol/L) is normal. A magnesium level of 2 mg/dL (0.82 mmol/L) is normal.

The nurse is caring for a client with a hip fracture. The physician orders the client to start taking a bisphosphonate. Which medication would the nurse document as given?

alendronate Alendronate is a bisphosphonate medication. Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator. Teriparatide is an anabolic agent, and denosumab is a monoclonal antibody agent.

The nurse is preparing a client for a surgical procedure that will allow visualization of the extent of joint damage of the knee for a client with rheumatoid arthritis and also obtain a sample of synovial fluid. What procedure will the nurse prepare the client for?

arthroscopy Arthroscopic examination may be carried out to visualize the extent of joint damage as well as to obtain a sample of synovial fluid. An open reduction would be used for the treatment of a fracture. Needle aspiration will not allow visualization of the joint damage but will allow obtaining the sample of synovial fluid. Arthroplasty is the restructure of the joint surface after diagnosis is made.

Which of the following inhibits bone resorption and promotes bone formation?

calcitonin Calcitonin, which inhibits bone resorption and promotes bone formation, is decreased in osteoporosis. Estrogen, which inhibits bone breakdown, decreases with aging. On the other hand, parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases with aging, increasing bone turnover and resorption. The consequence of these changes is net loss of bone mass over time. Corticosteroids place patients as risk for developing osteoporosis.

Which medication directly inhibits osteoclasts, thereby reducing bone loss and increasing BMD?

calcitonin (Miacalcin) Calcitonin directly inhibits osteoclasts, thereby reducing bone loss and increased BMD. Raloxifene reduces the risk of osteoporosis by preserving BMD without estrogenic effects on the uterus. Teriparatide has been recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of osteoporosis.

A client has experienced increasing pain and progressing inflammation of the hands and feet. The rheumatologist has prescribed NSAID use to treat the condition. What client education is most important for the nurse to address with the use of these medications?

common adverse effects The most common adverse effects of NSAIDs are related to the GI tract: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. GI bleeding, which in some cases is severe, has been reported with the use of these drugs. Use of NSAIDs does not pose significant dietary or activity restrictions nor is there a loading-dose schedule.

Which suggestion would be most important to give a client who has a mild case of bunions?

don proper footwear The most important instruction a nurse should give clients with bunions or hammer toe is to don proper footwear. Low-heeled, well-fitted shoes are recommended. Regular use of analgesics is not necessary for bunions if pain is not severe and the client has little or no difficulty. The client need not avoid strenuous exercise, running, or foot creams if the footwear is appropriate.

A client seeks medical attention for a ganglion. Which statement about this musculoskeletal mass is true?

dorsiflexion exacerbates signs and symptoms of a ganglion Dorsiflexion exacerbates signs and symptoms of a ganglion. A ganglion is the most common benign soft-tissue mass in the hand, not foot. It isn't a known precursor to a primary bone tumor. To treat a ganglion, the physician aspirates the ganglion, then injects a corticosteroid into the joint; the physician may also order nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Surgical excision is necessary only if signs and symptoms persist and the client's range of motion is impaired.

During a routine physical examination on an older female client, a nurse notes that the client is 5 feet, 3/8 inches (1.6 m) tall. The client states, "How is that possible? I was always 5 feet and 1/2? (1.7 m) tall." Which statement is the best response by the nurse?

"After menopause, the body's bone density declines, resulting in a gradual loss of height" The nurse should tell the client that after menopause, the loss of estrogen leads to a loss in bone density, resulting in a loss of height. This client's history doesn't indicate spinal compression. Telling the client that measuring tools used to obtain the client's height may have a discrepancy or that the posture begins to stoop after middle age doesn't address the client's question.

A patient had hand surgery to correct a Dupuytren's contracture. What nursing intervention is a priority postoperatively?

providing hourly neurovascular assessments in the first 24 hours Hourly neurovascular assessment of the exposed fingers for the first 24 hours following surgery is essential for monitoring function of the nerves and perfusion.

A nurse is planning discharge teaching regarding exercise for a client at risk for osteoporosis. Which exercise would the nurse be most likely to suggest?

walking Weight-bearing exercises should be incorporated into the client's lifestyle activities. Walking is a low-impact method of weight-bearing exercise and would be the most universal or most likely form of exercise for the nurse to recommend. Bicycling, and swimming are not weight-bearing exercise and will not increase bone density. Yoga may or may not be weight-bearing exercise depending on the yoga poses being performed; it is not as likely as walking to be recommended by the nurse.

The nurse has educated a patient with low back pain about techniques to relieve the back pain and prevent further complications. What statement by the patient shows understanding of the education the nurse provided?

"I will avoid prolonged sitting or walking" The nurse encourages the patient to alternate lying, sitting, and walking activities frequently, and advises the patient to avoid sitting, standing, or walking for long periods.

A high school student who was injured in a football game presents with knee pain with internal rotation of the foot. Which interventions are appropriate nursing actions? Select all that apply.

Elevate the affected leg. Apply ice packs to the affected knee. Apply a knee brace or wrap the affected knee. The client has a torn lateral meniscus. Priority interventions include rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the affected extremity and the administration of NSAIDs -- not morphine -- for pain. The client should not walk on the injured knee.

The nurse is caring for the client with chronic osteomyelitis of the jaw with a draining wound. Which client goal is a priority for the client? Select all that apply.

The client will experience a tolerable level of pain. The client will demonstrate wound care. The client will maintain adequate nutritional intake. Pain is a priority problem for the client with osteomyelitis, and it can interfere with mobility of joint. In this situation, the client's jaw is the site of infection. Pain in this location can interfere with nutritional intake of the individual. Chronic osteomyelitis presents with a nonhealing ulcer over the infected bone with a connecting sinus that will intermittently and spontaneously drain pus. The client will need to be able to provide wound care in the home setting. Remaining free from injury and maintaining an effective airway clearance are not priority goals for the client.

A client is scheduled for surgery to fuse a joint. The nurse identifies this as which of the following?

arthrodesis An arthrodesis is a surgical procedure to fuse a joint. An osteotomy involves cutting and removing a wedge of the bone to change alignment. An arthroplasty is a total reconstruction or replacement of a joint with an artificial joint. Open reduction internal fixation is accomplished with wire, nails, plate and/or an intramedullary rod to hold bone fragments in place until healing is complete.

When teaching a client how to prevent low back pain as a result of lifting, the nurse should instruct the client to:

avoid overreaching Instructions for the client with low back pain should include that, when lifting, the client should avoid overreaching. The client should also keep the load close to the body, bend the knees and tighten the abdominal muscles, use a wide base of support, and use a back brace to protect the back.

What food can the nurse suggest to the client at risk for osteoporosis?

broccoli Calcium is important for the prevention of osteoporosis. Broccoli is high in calcium.

The nurse is assessing the feet of a patient and observes an overgrowth of the horny layer of the epidermis. What does the nurse recognize this condition as?

corn A corn is an area of hyperkeratosis (overgrowth of a horny layer of epidermis) produced by internal pressure (the underlying bone is prominent because of a congenital or acquired abnormality, commonly arthritis) or external pressure (ill-fitting shoes). The fifth toe is most frequently involved, but any toe may be involved.

A female client is at risk for developing osteoporosis. Which action will reduce the client's risk?

initiating weight bearing exercise routines Performing weight-bearing exercise increases bone health. A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of developing osteoporosis. Estrogen is needed to promote calcium absorption. The recommended daily intake of calcium is 1,000 mg, not 300 mg.

The nurse is educating a client with low back pain on proper lifting techniques. The nurse recognizes that the education was effective when the client

places the load close to the body Instructions for the client with low back pain should include that, when lifting, the client should avoid overreaching. The client should also keep the load close to the body, bend the knees, and tighten the abdominal muscles; use a wide base of support; and use a back brace to protect the back. Bending at the hips increases the strain on the back muscles when lifting.

Which of the following positions should be avoided in severe back pain?

prone A prone position should be avoided because it accentuates lordosis (inward curvature of the spine). Lumbar flexion is increased by elevating the head and thorax 30 degrees using pillows or a foam wedge and slightly flexing the knees supported on a pillow. Alternatively, the patient can assume a lateral position with knees and hips flexed (curled position) with a pillow between the knees and legs and a pillow supporting the head.

A client with Paget's disease comes to the hospital and reports difficulty urinating. The emergency department health care provider consults urology. What should the nurse suspect is the most likely cause of the client's urination problem?

renal calculi Renal calculi commonly occur with Paget's disease, causing pain and difficulty when urinating. A UTI commonly causes fever, urgency, burning, and hesitation with urination. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is common in men older than age 50; however, because the client has Paget's disease, the nurse should suspect renal calculi, not benign prostatic hyperplasia. Dehydration causes a decrease in urine production, not a problem with urination.

A nurse is planning discharge instructions for the client with osteomyelitis. What instructions should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

"You will receive IV antibiotics for 3-6 weeks" Treatment of osteomyelitis requires IV antibiotics for 3 to 6 weeks. Continuous passive range of motion is used for clients with osteoarthritis. Weight-bearing exercises are used with clients who have osteoporosis. Limiting protein and calcium is not part of the plan of care for clients with osteomyelitis.

When an infection is bloodborne, the manifestations include which symptom?

chills Manifestations of bloodborne infection include chills, high fever, rapid pulse, and generalized malaise.

Dupuytren contracture causes flexion of which area(s)?

fourth and fifth fingers Dupuytren contracture causes flexion of the fourth and fifth fingers, and frequently the middle finger.

Which of the following is the most common and most fatal primary malignant bone tumor?

osteogenic sarcoma (osteosarcoma) Osteogenic sarcoma (osteosarcoma) is the most common and most often fatal primary malignant bone tumor. Benign primary neoplasms of the musculoskeletal system include osteochondroma, enchondroma, and rhabdomyoma.

The nurse is educating the patient with low back pain about the proper way to lift objects. What muscle should the nurse encourage the patient to maximize?

quadriceps The nurse instructs the patient in the safe and correct way to lift objects using the strong quadriceps muscles of the thighs, with minimal use of weak back muscles (Fig. 42-3).

On a visit to the family health care provider, a client is diagnosed with a bunion on the lateral side of the great toe at the metatarsophalangeal joint. Which statement should the nurse include in the teaching session?

"Some bunions are congenital; others are caused by wearing shoes that are too short or narrow." Bunions may be congenital or may be acquired by wearing shoes that are too short or narrow, which increases pressure on the bursa at the metatarsophalangeal joint. Acquired bunions can be prevented. Wearing shoes that are too big may cause other types of foot trauma but not bunions. Gout doesn't cause bunions. Although a client with gout may have pain in the big toe, such pain doesn't result from a bunion.

A client with osteoporosis is prescribed calcitonin 100 units subcutaneously. The medication is available 200 units per ml. How many milliliters will the nurse administer to the client?

0.5 100 units x 1 ml/200 units = 0.5 ml.

Which group is at the greatest risk for osteoporosis?

Caucasian women Small-framed, nonobese Caucasian women are at greatest risk for osteoporosis. Asian women of slight build are at risk for low peak bone mineral density. African American women, who have a greater bone mass than Caucasian women, are less susceptible to osteoporosis. Men have a greater peak bone mass and do not experience sudden estrogen reduction.

What term refers to a flexion deformity caused by a slowly progressive contracture of the palmar fascia?

Dupuytren's contracture Dupuytren disease results in a slowly progressive contracture of the palmar fascia, called Dupuytren contracture. A callus is a discretely thickened area of skin that has been exposed to persistent pressure or friction. A hammertoe is a flexion deformity of the interphalangeal joint, which may involve several toes. Hallux valgus is a deformity in which the great toe deviates laterally.

A client visits an orthopedic specialist because of pain beginning in the low back and radiating behind the right thigh and down below the right knee. The doctor suspects a diagnosis of sciatica. The nurse knows that the origin of the pain is between which intervertebral disks?

L4, L5, S1 The lower lumbar disks, L4-L5 and L5-S1, are subject to the greatest mechanical stress and the greatest degenerative changes. Disk protrusion (herniated nucleus pulposus) or facet joint changes can cause pressure on nerve roots as they leave the spinal canal, which results in pain that radiates along the nerve.

A patient is having low back pain. What position can the nurse suggest to relieve this discomfort?

Supine, with the knees slightly flexed and the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees A medium to firm, not sagging mattress (a bed board may be used) is recommended; there is no evidence to support the use of a firm mattress (National Guideline Clearinghouse, 2010). Lumbar flexion is increased by elevating the head and thorax 30 degrees by using pillows or a foam wedge and slightly flexing the knees supported on a pillow. Alternatively, the patient can assume a lateral position with knees and hips flexed (curled position) with a pillow between the knees and legs and a pillow supporting the head (Fig. 42-1). A prone position should be avoided because it accentuates lordosis.

Which is not a risk factor for osteoporosis?

being male Being male is not considered a risk factor. Some of the risk factors for osteoporosis are being a small-framed, thin White or Asian woman; being postmenopausal; family history; inactivity; chronic low calcium intake; and excessive caffeine or tobacco use.

What clinical manifestation would the nurse expect to find in a client who has had osteoporosis for several years?

decreased height Clients with osteoporosis become shorter over time.

The nurse is assisting a client with removing shoes prior to an examination and observes that the client has a flexion deformity of several toes on both feet of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints. What can the nurse encourage the client to do?

wear properly fitting shoes Hammer toe is a flexion deformity of the PIP joint and may involve several toes and may result from wearing poorly fitting shoes. They will not straighten by binding the toes or doing active range of motion exercises. Surgery is an option but should be discussed with an orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist.

A nurse is teaching a client who was recently diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. Which statement should the nurse include?

"Ergonomic changes can be incorporated into your workday to reduce stress on your wrist." Ergonomic changes, such as adjusting keyboard height, can help clients with carpal tunnel syndrome avoid hyperextension of the wrist. This condition is associated with repetitive tasks such as clerical work, not sports. The condition may be managed with medications, yoga, acupuncture, and wrist (not arm) splints.

The nurse is educating a group of women on the prevention of osteoporosis. The nurse recognizes the education as being effective when the group members make which statement?

"We need an adequate amount of exposure to sunshine" The only accurate statement is related to getting an adequate amount of exposure to sunshine. Aerobic exercise, such as swimming, does not prevent osteoporosis. The exercise needs to be weight bearing. A diet low in calcium and high in phosphorus will increase the risk for osteoporosis. Estrogen deficiency is linked to decreased bone mass.

A patient is diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma. What laboratory studies should the nurse monitor for the presence of elevation?

alkaline phosphatase Serum alkaline phosphatase levels are frequently elevated with osteogenic sarcoma or bone metastasis. Hypercalcemia is also present with bone metastases from breast, lung, or kidney cancer. Symptoms of hypercalcemia include muscle weakness, fatigue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, polyuria, cardiac dysrhythmias, seizures, and coma. Hypercalcemia must be identified and treated promptly.

Health education for a woman over age 50 includes providing information about the importance of adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis. Select the daily dosage of calcium and vitamin D that the nurse should recommend.

1,200 mg; 1,000 IU The daily recommended dosage is 1,200 mg of calcium and 1,000 IU of vitamin D.

Which client would the nurse identify as having the greatest risk for osteoporosis?

A small framed, thin, 45-year old white woman Small-framed, thin white women are at greatest risk for osteoporosis. African American women have a greater bone density and thus are less susceptible to osteoporosis. Men have an increased bone mass and do not have hormonal changes, and do not acquire osteoporosis as frequently and get it at a later age. Asthma does not increase the risk for osteoporosis.

Which classic symptom will the nurse assess for to detect the development of plantar fasciitis?

morning heel pain Plantar fasciitis is characterized by heel pain.

A client has Paget's disease. An appropriate nursing diagnosis for this client is:

risk for falls The client with Paget's disease is at risk for falls secondary to pathological fractures and impaired gait/mobility.

A home care nurse assesses for disease complications in a client with bone cancer. Which laboratory value may indicate the presence of a disease complication?

calcium 11.6 mg/dL In clients with bone cancer, tumor destruction of bone commonly causes excessive calcium release. When the calcium-excreting capacity of the kidneys and GI tract is exceeded, the serum calcium level rises above normal, leading to hypercalcemia (a serum calcium level greater than 10.2 mg/dl). Hyperkalemia (a potassium level greater than 5 mEq/L) isn't caused by bone cancer and is seldom associated with chemotherapy. Hyponatremia (a sodium level less than 135 mEq/L) and hypomagnesemia (a magnesium level less than 1.3 mg/dl) are potential adverse effects of chemotherapy; these electrolyte disturbances don't result directly from bone cancer.

In which deformity does the great toe deviate laterally?

hallux valgus Hallux valgus is a deformity in which the great toe deviates laterally. A hammertoe is a flexion deformity of the interphalangeal joint, which may involve several toes. Pes cavus refers to a foot with an abnormally high arch and a fixed equines deformity of the forefoot. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the foot-supporting fascia.

A client has come to the clinic with foot pain. The physician has described the client's condition as a flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint. What is the name of this disorder?

hammer toe Hammer toe is a flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Mallet toe is a flexion deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint. Bunion is a deformity of the great toe at its metatarsophalangeal joint. Heberden's nodes are bony enlargements of the distal interphalangeal joints.

Which aspect should a nurse include in the teaching plan for a client with osteomalacia?

include calcium phosphorus and vitamin D supplements The nurse should encourage clients with osteomalacia to include calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D supplements; adequate nutrition; exposure to sunlight; and progressive exercise and ambulation. Clients need not avoid dairy products, leafy vegetables, or mild exercise.

Which should be included in the teaching plan for a client diagnosed with plantar fasciitis?

management of plantar fasciitis include stretching exercises Management also includes wearing shoes with support and cushioning to relieve pain, orthotic devices (e.g., heel cups, arch supports), and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the foot-supporting fascia, presents as acute-onset heel pain experienced upon taking the first steps in the morning. The pain is localized to the anterior medial aspect of the heel and diminishes with gentle stretching of the foot and Achilles tendon. Unresolved plantar fasciitis may progress to fascial tears at the heel and eventual development of heel spurs.

A client is informed that he has a benign bone tumor but that this type of tumor that may become malignant. The nurse knows that this is characteristic of which type of tumor?

osteoclastoma An osteoclastoma is a giant cell tumor that may invade local tissue; usually soft and hemorrhagic and may become malignant. An osteochondroma occurs as a large projection of bone at the ends of long bones, developing during growth periods and then becoming static bone mass. An enchondroma is a hyaline cartilage tumor that develops in the hand, ribs, femur, tibia, humerus, or pelvis. An osteoid osteoma is a painful tumor surrounded by reactive bone tissue.

Which of the following presents with an onset of heel pain with the first steps of the morning?

plantar fasciitis Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the foot-supporting fascia, present as an acute onset of heal pain experienced with the first steps in the morning. Hallux valgus (commonly called a bunion) is a deformity in which the great toe deviates laterally. Morton's neuroma is a swelling of the third (lateral) branch of the median plantar nerve. A ganglion, a collection of gelatinous material near the tendon sheaths and joints, appears as a round, firm compressible cystic swelling, usually on the dorsum of the wrist.

Which term refers to a disease of a nerve root?

radiculopathy When the client reports radiating pain down the leg, the client is describing radiculopathy. Involucrum refers to new bone growth around the sequestrum. Sequestrum refers to dead bone in an abscess cavity. Contracture refers to abnormal shortening of muscle or fibrosis of joint structures.

Which of the following is the most important nursing diagnosis for an elderly patient diagnosed with osteoporosis?

risk for injury related to fractures due to osteoporosis The most important concern for an elderly patient with osteoporosis is prevention of falls and fractures. Pain and constipation can be managed, and knowledge can be reinforced, but fractures can cause significant morbidity and mortality.

A client with chronic osteomyelitis has undergone 6 weeks of antibiotic therapy. The wound appearance has not improved. What action would the nurse anticipate to promote healing?

surgical debridement In chronic osteomyelitis, surgical debridement is used when the wound fails to respond to antibiotic therapy. Wound packing, vitamin supplements, and wound irrigation are not the standard of care when treating chronic osteomyelitis.

A client with a musculoskeletal injury is instructed to alter the diet. The objective of altering the diet is to facilitate the absorption of calcium from food and supplements. Considering the food intake objective, which food item should the nurse encourage the client to include in the diet?

vitamin D fortified milk The nurse should advise the client to include dietary sources of vitamin D, such as fatty fish, vitamin D-fortified milk, and cereals. These foods protect against bone loss and decrease the risk of fracture by facilitating the absorption of calcium from food and supplements. Red meat, bananas, and green vegetables do not facilitate calcium absorption from food and supplements.