Osteomyelitis: Bone Infection Overview

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary cause of osteomyelitis?

  • Autoimmune response attacking the bone marrow.
  • Degeneration of bone tissue due to aging.
  • Genetic mutation leading to bone deformation and inflammation.
  • Infection within the bone, introduced by infectious organisms following trauma or surgery. (correct)

Which of the following clinical manifestations is characteristic of osteomyelitis?

  • Decreased white blood cell count with normal sedimentation rate.
  • Hypothermia and bradycardia.
  • Constant, pulsating, localized bone pain, worsened by movement. (correct)
  • Painless swelling around the affected bone.

Why might older adults with osteomyelitis not exhibit a fever?

  • Osteomyelitis is less severe in older adults.
  • They are likely to be on antipyretic medications for other conditions.
  • Age-related changes can affect the body's ability to mount a febrile response. (correct)
  • Their immune systems are more effective at combating bone infections.

Which diagnostic procedure is most commonly used to initially diagnose osteomyelitis?

<p>Bone scan using radioactive material (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary rationale for performing cultures in the diagnostic workup of osteomyelitis?

<p>To identify the specific causative aerobic and anaerobic organisms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical duration of antibiotic therapy for treating osteomyelitis?

<p>4 to 6 weeks of IV and oral antibiotics. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of surgical debridement in the treatment of osteomyelitis?

<p>To remove infected or necrotic bone tissue. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In chronic cases of osteomyelitis, what is the rationale for using hyperbaric oxygen treatments?

<p>To promote healing by increasing oxygen levels in the affected tissue. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical nursing action when caring for a patient undergoing treatment for osteomyelitis?

<p>Administering antibiotics as prescribed to maintain a constant blood level. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When caring for a wound left open to heal following debridement for osteomyelitis, which precautions are most appropriate?

<p>Standard precautions with clean technique for dressing changes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Osteomyelitis

An infection of the bone, often following trauma or surgery, caused by infectious organisms leading to inflammation.

Manifestations of Osteomyelitis

Constant, pulsating, localized bone pain that worsens with movement, along with erythema and edema at the infection site.

Lab findings in Osteomyelitis

Elevated white blood cell count and sedimentation rate, indicative of an inflammatory response in the body.

Diagnosis of Osteomyelitis

Bone scans using radioactive material, MRI, and cultures to detect aerobic and anaerobic organisms.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Treatment for Osteomyelitis

A long course (4-6 weeks) of IV and oral antibiotics, surgical debridement, bone grafts, hyperbaric oxygen treatments, and antibiotic beads.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nursing Actions for Osteomyelitis

Administering antibiotics, analgesics, neurovascular assessments, and wound care using clean technique.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

  • Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that starts as inflammation.
  • It is caused by infectious organisms (virus, bacteria, or fungi).
  • It occurs after trauma or surgical repair of a fracture.

Manifestations

  • Constant, pulsating, localized bone pain, worsened by movement
  • Erythema and edema at the infection site
  • Fever (though older adults may not have elevated temperature)
  • Leukocytosis and possible elevated sedimentation rate
  • Many manifestations disappear if the infection becomes chronic

Diagnostic Procedures

  • Bone scan using radioactive material can diagnose osteomyelitis.
  • MRI can also facilitate a diagnosis.
  • Cultures detect possible aerobic and anaerobic organisms.
  • Blood cultures will be positive for offending microbes if septicemia develops.

Treatment

  • Long course (at least 4 to 6 weeks) of IV and oral antibiotic therapy
  • Surgical debridement can be indicated and a bone graft can be necessary.
  • Hyperbaric oxygen treatments can promote healing in chronic cases.
  • Surgically implanted antibiotic beads in bone cement can be packed into the wound as a form of antibiotic therapy.
  • Unsuccessful treatment can result in amputation.

Nursing Actions

  • Administer antibiotics as prescribed to maintain a constant blood level.
  • Administer analgesics as needed.
  • Conduct neurovascular assessments if debridement is done.
  • If the wound is left open to heal, standard precautions are adequate, and clean technique can be used during dressing changes.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Osteomyelitis: Bone Infection
25 questions
Osteomyelitis: Bone Infection Overview
10 questions
Osteomyelitis: Bone Infection
10 questions

Osteomyelitis: Bone Infection

DignifiedProbability5164 avatar
DignifiedProbability5164
Osteomyelitis: Bone Infection Overview
10 questions
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser