Mobility and Musculoskeletal (MSK) Study Guide Flashcards

Front

DXA

Back

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measures bone mineral density, typically at the hip or spine. It compares a client’s bone mass to a reference population to assess osteoporosis risk.

Front

Osteoarthritis

Back

A progressive degenerative disease of articular cartilage causing joint pain, stiffness, limited movement, and possible joint effusion. Management emphasizes pain control, exercise, assistive devices, and medications such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids.

Front

Osteoporosis

Back

A condition of decreased bone mass and structural deterioration leading to increased fracture risk, often postmenopausal. Diagnosis commonly uses DXA and lab evaluation of calcium and PTH; treatment focuses on bone-preserving strategies and fracture prevention.

Front

Synovitis

Back

Inflammation and swelling of the synovial membrane leading to joint pain and restricted motion. Mild cases are managed with rest and NSAIDs, moderate cases may require DMARDs or steroid injections, and severe cases can need synovectomy.

Front

Arthroscopy

Back

A minimally invasive surgical procedure using an arthroscope to visualize and sometimes repair intra-articular joint pathology. It is used for diagnosis and treatment of meniscal tears, cartilage lesions, and synovial disorders.

Front

EMG

Back

Electromyography (EMG) assesses electrical activity of muscles to evaluate neuromuscular disorders. Often combined with nerve conduction studies to localize nerve or muscle pathology.

Front

Nerve conduction

Back

Studies measure the speed and amplitude of electrical signals along peripheral nerves to detect demyelination or axonal loss. They help differentiate neuropathies from muscular disorders.

Front

MRI

Back

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides high-resolution images of soft tissues, joints, discs, and bone marrow without ionizing radiation. It is particularly useful for detecting soft tissue injury, synovitis, and spinal pathology.

Front

CT scan

Back

Computed tomography (CT) uses X-rays and computer processing to produce cross-sectional images of bone and soft tissue. It is helpful for complex fractures and bony anatomy evaluation.

Front

Hip arthroplasty

Back

Surgical replacement of a diseased hip joint with a prosthesis to relieve pain and restore function. Postoperative care emphasizes hip precautions, infection and DVT prevention, pain control, and early mobilization.

Front

Fasciotomy

Back

A surgical procedure to open the fascial compartment and relieve elevated intracompartmental pressure. It is an emergency treatment for compartment syndrome to prevent permanent tissue necrosis.

Front

Compartment syndrome

Back

A condition of increased pressure within an anatomic compartment that impairs perfusion, causing severe pain, tense swelling, and potential nerve and muscle damage. Immediate recognition and fasciotomy are required to prevent permanent loss of function.

Front

Osteomyelitis

Back

Infection of bone, commonly caused by Staphylococcus species, presenting with localized bone pain, erythema, and systemic signs of infection. Management requires prolonged antibiotics, possible surgical debridement, and close monitoring for complications.

Front

Traction

Back

A therapeutic method applying mechanical pulling force to relieve muscle spasm, align fractures, or immobilize body parts. Nursing priorities include skin checks, ensuring weights hang freely, and frequent neurovascular assessments.

Front

Splint vs Cast

Back

A splint is a removable device that supports and immobilizes while allowing for swelling and skin monitoring. A cast is a rigid, nonremovable immobilizer used to maintain bone reduction and prevent movement during healing.

Front

Lower back pain

Back

Pain localized to the lumbosacral area from causes like muscle strain, disc herniation, or spinal stenosis. Management ranges from conservative therapies (exercise, heat, NSAIDs) to interventional procedures or surgery for refractory or neurologically significant cases.

Front

Amputation

Back

Surgical removal of a body part, commonly performed for severe trauma, infection, malignancy, or ischemia. Postoperative care focuses on wound healing, infection prevention, pain control, residual limb care, and rehabilitation with prosthetics.

Front

NSAIDs

Back

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation and pain by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes. They are commonly used for musculoskeletal pain but have risks like GI bleeding and renal impairment.

Front

DMARDs

Back

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs slow progression of inflammatory arthritis by targeting immune pathways. They require monitoring for adverse effects and are used when conservative therapy is insufficient.

Front

6 P's (neurovascular)

Back

A mnemonic for neurovascular assessment: Pain, Pallor, Paresthesia, Pulselessness, Paralysis, Poikilothermia. Regular monitoring of the 6 P’s helps detect ischemia, compartment syndrome, or neurovascular compromise early.