MedSurg 1 NU Test 3 ATI CH72 Osteoarthritis and Low-Back Pain

What medications are used?

Acetaminophen (if sinovitis is not present)(liver toxic) NSAIDS for pain and sinovitis (nephrotoxic) Muscle relaxants (cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride) Opioids Topical analgesics

What are risk factors of low-back pain?

Age (30 to 60), Family Hx, smoking, overweight, poor posture.

What are risk factors of osteoarthritis?

Aging (over 60), genetic factors, joint injury, obesity, DM

What precautions should be taken with a total joint arthroplasty?

Any infection Dental exams and/or dental procedures should be done before surgery to decrease infection. DM or HTN can cause complications

A nurse is providing information to a client who has osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the information?

Apply heat to joints to alleviate pain. Ice inflamed joints following activity. Install an elevated toilet seat. Complete high-energy activities in the morning.

Minimal invasive surgeries for low-back pain

Diskectomies, kyphoplasty (cement is injected), laminectomy, arthrodesis/spinal fusion.

What are expected findings of low-back pain?

Dull or sharp pain. Aggravated pain by coughing, sneezing, or straining. Muscle spasms, cramping, and stiffness. Paresthesia (numbness/tingling)

A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has history of low back injure. Which of the following instruction should the nurse give the client to prevent future problems with low back pain?

Engage in regular exercise including walking. Create a smoking cessation plan. Wear low-heeled shoes.

What alternative supplement is given as a natural makeup of cartilage?

Glucosamine

A nurse is assessing a client who has osteoarthritis of the knees and fingers. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect to find?

Heberden's nodes. Enlarged joint size. Limp when walking.

A nurse is providing information about capsaicin cream to a client who reports continuous knee pain from osteoarthritis. Which of the follwoing information should the nurse include in the discussion?

Inspect for skin irritation and cuts prior to application.

What are expected findings of osteoarthritis?

Joint pain and stiffness. Pain when moving. Crepitus

A nurse is caring for a client who injured her lower back during a fall and describes sharp pain in her back and down her left leg. In which of the following positions should the nurse plan to place the client to attempt to decrease her pain?

Semi-Fowler's with a pillow under her knees.

What topical analgesics are used?

Trolamine salicylate Lidocaine 5% patch Capsaicin

What consideration should be applied when using capsaicin?

Wear gloves Wash hands immediately.

What are diagnostic procedures?

X-ray MRI (soft tissue structures) CT scans (injuries or pathology) Bone scan CT myelogram EMG and nerve conduction Arthrogram (fractures, torn ligaments)