Musculoskeletal System Quiz_1210

Musculoskeletal System Overview

• HCAP 1210 course covers the musculoskeletal system
• The course includes critical thinking exercises on various topics

Critical Thinking

• Discusses the roles and responsibilities of Physical Therapists (PTs) and Occupational Therapists (OTs)
• Highlights the importance of assessing resident's ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
• Defines medical terms like quadriplegia, hemiplegia, and paraplegia

Physical Changes

• Muscle cells decrease in number
• Vertebrae shorten
• Muscles atrophy and lose strength
• Bones lose minerals (especially calcium) resulting in decreased strength and increased brittleness
• Joints become stiff and painful
• Mobility decreases
• Regular activity, exercise, and a healthy diet can help prevent bone loss and maintain muscle strength

Risk of Falls

• Elderly populations have a higher risk of falls
• Support workers should avoid trying to prevent falls as this may cause injury to both the client and the support worker
• Instead, ease the client to the floor and protect their head
• Consult the assigned reference material for more comprehensive information

HCA Responsibility to Reduce Risk of Falls

• Beds should be at knee height
• Bed brakes should always be on
• Call bells should be easily reached
• Lower side rails should be down
• Ensure comfort and proper positioning
• Assist residents to the bathroom
• Use non-slip socks, hip protectors, and mats
• Have chair, bed, and door alarms
• Continuous assessment and observation by the healthcare team

Critical Thinking - Falls

• Risk factors for falls in the elderly population
• Textbook-based assistance methods for residents experiencing a fall
• Importance of protecting the head during a fall
• Exercises and activities (like range of motion) to improve muscle tone and strength in elderly patients

Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Musculoskeletal disorders impair mobility
• Affect bones, joints, and muscles
• Often a result of injury or aging
• Can impact people of any age

Fractures

• A broken bone can lead to the injury of tissues around the fracture (muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and tendons).
• Fractures can be closed (simple) or open (compound).
• Causes of fractures can include falls, accidents, cancer, alcoholism, and osteoporosis.
• Symptoms of fractures include misalignment of the limb, pain, swelling, limited movement, and bruising

Fracture Healing

• Bone ends are brought back to their normal positions (reduction).
• Closed reduction involves no skin opening, whereas Open reduction involves surgery
• Surgical procedures may use nails, rods, screws, plates, or wires
• A cast is frequently applied during the healing period

Critical Thinking - Scenario

• Patient scenario with a fall and a specific fracture type
• Hazards present at the scene (e.g., wet floor)
• HCA responsibilities in the situation

Cast Care

• Casts can be made of plaster, fiberglass, or plastic
• These materials typically cure in 24-48 hours
• Casts are often odorless, white, and appear shiny when dry
• HCA support staff may provide assistance with cast care (consult resources)

Critical Thinking - Continued

• Patient scenario with a cast and dementia
• Symptoms for assessing fracture healing
• Explanation of cast care
• Method for managing patient anxiety and frustration

Hip Fracture

• Fractured hips are common among older adults, particularly older women
• Postoperative risks include pneumonia, urinary tract infections, blood clots, pressure ulcers.
• Some hip fractures require hip replacement surgeries
• Proper preoperative and postoperative care is critical.

Critical Thinking – Scenario 2

• Patient scenario with hip replacement and dementia
• Risks associated with hip replacement surgery
• Identifying other interdisciplinary healthcare team members
• Strategies to support the patient's goal of early discharge.
• Techniques for demonstration of interprofessional communication

Loss of Limb (Amputation)

• Amputation involves removal of a limb (partial or full)
• Causes include accidents and severe limb damage.
• Diabetes is a frequent cause
• Occupational and Physical Therapy may be involved

Prostheses

• Prostheses are artificial replacements for missing body parts
• Occupational and physical therapists guide clients in the use of prostheses
• Phantom limb pain is a possible complication of amputation in which patients report feeling pain in the missing limb.

Prosthetic Skin Care

• Prosthetic skin care is crucial due to the potential for heat and moisture buildup promoting irritation and possible infection.
• Proper skin care practices should be followed.

Critical Thinking – Scenario 3

• Patient with amputation and diabetes, and self-care deficit.
• Important assessment considerations
• Team members to inform immediately if concerns arise
• Goal of quick patient discharge.

Osteoporosis

• A bone disorder characterized by porous and brittle bones that break easily
• Common in older adults, particularly post-menopausal women
• Lack of estrogen and calcium, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle are major risk factors

Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

• Inflammation of joints, with possible symptoms like swelling, redness, heat, and pain
• Generally occurs in older adults associated with aging, joint injury, and obesity
• Affects weightbearing joints (hips, knees, spine) and causes cartilage breakdown or eventual bone rubbing against bones.
• Arthritis cannot be cured but symptoms can be managed

Osteoarthritis Treatment

• Relieving pain and stiffness, proper body alignment
• Using medication (often pain relievers) and heat/cold applications.
• Weight loss programs
• Exercises and assistive devices (canes, walkers)
• Measures to prevent falls
• Adjusting daily activities (e.g., using elevated toilet seats)

Critical Thinking – Scenario 4

• Patient presenting with hip and spine pain
• How to differentiate Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis symptoms.
• Addressing pain management needs
• Strategies to promote sleep to improve rest and recovery

Gout

• A metabolic arthritis caused by uric acid buildup in joints, frequently the big toe
• Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, redness, and fever
• Gout is treated with pain medication, ice packs, and anti-inflammatory drugs

Critical Thinking - Scenario 5

• Patient presenting with big toe pain after consuming multiple game meats.
• Initial assessment and immediate actions for a patient with Gout
• Possible causes of gout
• Patient education on gout and its potential triggers
• Helping the patient achieve their goal of going grocery shopping
• Identifying other common foot problems in the elderly.
• Statistics on elderly people affected by foot problems.

Critical Thinking – Mobility and Elderly

• Largest risk factors if lacking mobility in elderly patients
• Other contributing factors
• Complications that may arise
• Strategies as an HCA to support patients