Osteomyelitis: Bone Infection Overview

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Questions and Answers

A client diagnosed with osteomyelitis reports constant, localized bone pain that intensifies with movement. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate for managing this pain?

  • Elevate the affected extremity and apply compression bandages.
  • Apply ice packs to the affected area for 30 minutes every hour.
  • Administer analgesics as prescribed and monitor their effectiveness. (correct)
  • Encourage range-of-motion exercises to reduce stiffness.

A patient is undergoing a bone scan for suspected osteomyelitis. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the patient prior to the procedure?

  • You will need to lie still for several hours during the scan.
  • You will receive an injection of radioactive material before the scan. (correct)
  • You will be placed in a tube-like machine during the scan.
  • You will need to avoid eating or drinking for 24 hours before the scan.

A patient with chronic osteomyelitis is scheduled for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. What is the primary goal of this treatment modality?

  • To promote healing and tissue regeneration in the affected bone. (correct)
  • To directly target and kill the infectious organisms within the bone.
  • To provide pain relief by numbing the nerve endings in the affected area.
  • To reduce inflammation and edema at the site of infection.

A nurse is caring for a patient with osteomyelitis whose wound is left open to heal. Which infection control measure is most appropriate for dressing changes?

<p>Standard precautions with clean technique using clean gloves. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with osteomyelitis is undergoing IV antibiotic therapy. Which nursing intervention is crucial to monitor the effectiveness of the antibiotic treatment?

<p>Observing the client for changes in sedimentation rate and wound appearance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary rationale for administering antibiotics on a long-term basis (4-6 weeks) for a patient with osteomyelitis?

<p>To ensure complete eradication of the infection within the bone. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with osteomyelitis develops septicemia. What diagnostic finding would the nurse anticipate?

<p>Positive blood cultures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with osteomyelitis is scheduled for surgical debridement. What is the primary purpose of this procedure?

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

Following surgical debridement for osteomyelitis, a patient undergoes a neurovascular assessment. Which finding should the nurse report immediately to the health care provider?

<p>Increased pain despite analgesic administration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An older adult client is suspected of having osteomyelitis. Which manifestation is least likely to be present in this population compared to younger adults?

<p>Elevated temperature. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Osteomyelitis

An infection of the bone, starting as inflammation due to infectious organisms entering after trauma or surgery.

Osteomyelitis Pain

Constant, pulsating, localized bone pain that worsens with movement is a key sign.

Leukocytosis in Osteomyelitis

Increased white blood cell count and sedimentation rate, showing the body's response to infection.

Bone Scan in Diagnosis

Radioactive material is used to identify areas of bone infection and MRI can facilitate diagnosis.

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Osteomyelitis Treatment

Involves extended IV and oral antibiotics, potentially surgical debridement, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in chronic cases.

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Surgical Debridement

Surgical removal of infected or dead bone tissue to promote healing.

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Neurovascular Assessments

Monitor circulation and nerve function in the affected area post-surgery.

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Pain Management

Administer prescribed pain medication as needed to manage patient comfort.

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Study Notes

  • Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that starts as inflammation.
  • It is caused by infectious organisms penetrating the bone.
  • This often follows trauma or fracture repair.

Manifestations

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

Diagnostic Procedures

  • Bone scan using radioactive material is used to diagnose.
  • MRI can also facilitate a diagnosis.
  • Cultures are performed to detect possible aerobic and anaerobic organisms.
  • If septicemia develops, blood cultures will be positive for offending microbes.

Treatment

  • A long course (at least 4 to 6 weeks) of IV and oral antibiotic therapy required.
  • Surgical debridement can be indicated; bone graft might be needed if significant bone removal is required.
  • 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.

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