Nursing Tips

Musculoskeletal (18)

Osteoblasts are responsible for forming bone, while osteoclasts are bone-destroying cells.

Osteoblasts versus Osteoclasts

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Osteoblasts are responsible for forming bone, while osteoclasts are bone-destroying cells.

Osteoblasts versus Osteoclasts

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Osteoblasts are responsible for forming bone, while osteoclasts are bone-destroying cells.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms - LevelUpRN

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

How to remember that Rheumatoid Arthritis causes swan neck and boutonniere deformities

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

How to remember that Rheumatoid Arthritis causes swan neck and boutonniere deformities

A patient with osteoarthritis may have Heberden's nodes on the distal interphalangeal joints and/or Bouchard's nodes on the proximal interphalangeal joints.

Osteoarthritis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A patient with osteoarthritis may have Heberden's nodes on the distal interphalangeal joints and/or Bouchard's nodes on the proximal interphalangeal joints.

1 comment

Osteoarthritis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A patient with osteoarthritis may have Heberden's nodes on the distal interphalangeal joints and/or Bouchard's nodes on the proximal interphalangeal joints.

1 comment
Osteomyelitis (an infection of the bone) is a risk for any patient who experienced recent trauma (e.g., an open fracture), bacteremia, orthopedic surgery, and/or circulatory disorders (e.g., Diabetes Mellitus).

Osteomyelitis: Risk Factors

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Osteomyelitis (an infection of the bone) is a risk for any patient who experienced recent trauma (e.g., an open fracture), bacteremia, orthopedic surgery, and/or circulatory disorders (e.g., Diabetes Mellitus).

Osteomyelitis: Risk Factors

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Osteomyelitis (an infection of the bone) is a risk for any patient who experienced recent trauma (e.g., an open fracture), bacteremia, orthopedic surgery, and/or circulatory disorders (e.g., Diabetes Mellitus).

Nursing Tips - Halo Traction Devices

Halo Traction Devices

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If a patient has a halo traction device in place, be sure wrench to release rods is attached to vest (so CPR can be performed in the event of an...

Halo Traction Devices

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If a patient has a halo traction device in place, be sure wrench to release rods is attached to vest (so CPR can be performed in the event of an...

Educate patients who experience gout to avoid alcohol, purine-rich foods (e.g., red meat, organ meat, shellfish, high fructose drinks), and "starvation" dieting, but increase their fluid intake and reduce stress.

Gout: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Educate patients who experience gout to avoid alcohol, purine-rich foods (e.g., red meat, organ meat, shellfish, high fructose drinks), and "starvation" dieting, but increase their fluid intake and reduce stress.

Gout: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Educate patients who experience gout to avoid alcohol, purine-rich foods (e.g., red meat, organ meat, shellfish, high fructose drinks), and "starvation" dieting, but increase their fluid intake and reduce stress.

Positional plagiocephaly is cranial asymmetry caused by prolonged pressure on one side of the skull. A child with this diagnosis may require helmet therapy, where a custom-made helmet is worn up to 23 hours per day for ~ 3 months.

Positional Plagiocephaly

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Positional plagiocephaly is cranial asymmetry caused by prolonged pressure on one side of the skull. A child with this diagnosis may require helmet therapy, where a custom-made helmet is worn...

Positional Plagiocephaly

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Positional plagiocephaly is cranial asymmetry caused by prolonged pressure on one side of the skull. A child with this diagnosis may require helmet therapy, where a custom-made helmet is worn...

A patient who experienced a long-bone fracture is at risk for a fat embolism. Immediately report any dyspnea, confusion, tachypnea, tachycardia, or chest pain to the provider.

Long-bone Fractures

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A patient who experienced a long-bone fracture is at risk for a fat embolism. Immediately report any dyspnea, confusion, tachypnea, tachycardia, or chest pain to the provider.

Long-bone Fractures

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A patient who experienced a long-bone fracture is at risk for a fat embolism. Immediately report any dyspnea, confusion, tachypnea, tachycardia, or chest pain to the provider.

A child with Osteogenesis Imperfecta may exhibit a blue color of the sclera. Be sure to report this finding to the provider for further evaluation.

Osteogenesis in Children

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A child with Osteogenesis Imperfecta may exhibit a blue color of the sclera. Be sure to report this finding to the provider for further evaluation.

Osteogenesis in Children

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A child with Osteogenesis Imperfecta may exhibit a blue color of the sclera. Be sure to report this finding to the provider for further evaluation.

Colchicine is a medication used to treat an acute gout attack. Gout causes tophi (accumulation of uric acid crystals, often found in the BIG toe)

Colchicine

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Colchicine is a medication used to treat an acute gout attack.

Colchicine

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Colchicine is a medication used to treat an acute gout attack.

For symptoms of compartment syndrome, remember the 5Ps: Paresthesia, Paralysis, Pallor, Pulselessness, Intense Pain (unrelieved by drugs and/or with passive movement)

Compartment Syndrome 5Ps

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

For symptoms of compartment syndrome, remember the 5Ps: Paresthesia, Paralysis, Pallor, Pulselessness, Intense Pain

Compartment Syndrome 5Ps

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

For symptoms of compartment syndrome, remember the 5Ps: Paresthesia, Paralysis, Pallor, Pulselessness, Intense Pain

Alendronate is a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis. Key side effect is esophagitis. HINT: "Alen drones on and on about his esophagitis."

Alendronate

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Alendronate is a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis. Key side effect is esophagitis. HINT: "Alen drones on and on about his esophagitis."

Alendronate

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Alendronate is a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis. Key side effect is esophagitis. HINT: "Alen drones on and on about his esophagitis."

Baclofen is a centrally acting muscle relaxant. If you pull out your BACK, you might need BAClofen.

Baclofen

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Baclofen is a centrally acting muscle relaxant. If you pull out your BACK, you might need BAClofen.

Baclofen

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Baclofen is a centrally acting muscle relaxant. If you pull out your BACK, you might need BAClofen.

Nursing Tips - Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis Labs

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Expected labs with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Positive Rheumatoid Factor (RF) antibody and Positive ANA titer

Rheumatoid Arthritis Labs

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Expected labs with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Positive Rheumatoid Factor (RF) antibody and Positive ANA titer

Nursing Tips - Hip Flexion Contractures

Hip Flexion Contractures

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Prevent hip flexion contractures in patients with a BKA (below-the-knee amputation): Have patient lie prone every 3-4 hrs for 20-30 min.

Hip Flexion Contractures

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Prevent hip flexion contractures in patients with a BKA (below-the-knee amputation): Have patient lie prone every 3-4 hrs for 20-30 min.

Malignant Hyperthermia

Malignant Hyperthermia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Malignant hyperthermia is a life-threatening complication due to certain general anesthesia medications. Symptoms: Muscle rigidity, tachycardia, fever, dysrhythmias, tachypnea, hypotension, cyanosis.

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Malignant Hyperthermia

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Malignant hyperthermia is a life-threatening complication due to certain general anesthesia medications. Symptoms: Muscle rigidity, tachycardia, fever, dysrhythmias, tachypnea, hypotension, cyanosis.

1 comment
Joint Dislocation Prevention

Joint Dislocation Prevention

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

To prevent joint dislocation after a total hip arthroplasty, do not allow hip flexion > 90°.

Joint Dislocation Prevention

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

To prevent joint dislocation after a total hip arthroplasty, do not allow hip flexion > 90°.

Bone loss and aging

Bone loss and aging

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Bone loss begins at 35 years old. In order to prevent osteoporosis, individuals should engage in weight-bearing exercises. FYI - swimming is NOT weight-bearing.

Bone loss and aging

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Bone loss begins at 35 years old. In order to prevent osteoporosis, individuals should engage in weight-bearing exercises. FYI - swimming is NOT weight-bearing.