Osteomyelitis: Bone Infection

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Questions and Answers

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

  • Instructing the client to avoid weight-bearing activities and administering analgesics as prescribed. (correct)
  • Applying ice packs to the affected area for 30 minutes every hour to reduce inflammation.
  • Elevating the affected extremity and applying a compression bandage to minimize edema.
  • Encouraging active range-of-motion exercises to improve joint mobility.

A patient with chronic osteomyelitis is undergoing hyperbaric oxygen treatments. What is the primary goal of this therapy?

  • To reduce inflammation and edema at the site of infection.
  • To prevent the spread of infection to surrounding tissues.
  • To deliver antibiotics directly to the infected bone.
  • To increase oxygen concentration in the affected bone tissue, promoting healing. (correct)

A client is being discharged after a long course of IV antibiotics for osteomyelitis. Which of the following instructions is most important to include in the discharge teaching?

  • Monitor for signs of superinfection, such as a new fever or diarrhea. (correct)
  • Apply topical antibiotic ointment to the incision site twice daily.
  • Resume normal activities immediately to promote bone strength.
  • Discontinue oral antibiotics if gastrointestinal upset occurs.

A nurse is caring for a client with osteomyelitis who has an open wound that is left to heal. Which of the following precautions is most appropriate when changing the dressing?

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

A client who has undergone surgical debridement for osteomyelitis suddenly reports numbness and tingling in the affected extremity. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

<p>Notify the health care provider immediately and conduct a neurovascular assessment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic procedure is most useful in the initial diagnosis of osteomyelitis?

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

A patient with osteomyelitis is receiving IV antibiotic therapy. Which nursing intervention is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of the antibiotic treatment?

<p>Maintaining a constant blood level of the antibiotic by administering it as prescribed. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client is scheduled for surgical debridement of bone due to osteomyelitis. The nurse anticipates that the provider might order which of the following after the procedure?

<p>A high-protein diet to promote wound healing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An older adult client is suspected of having osteomyelitis. Which of the following clinical manifestations might be absent in this population?

<p>Fever. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of unsuccessful treatment of osteomyelitis?

<p>Amputation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Osteomyelitis

An infection of the bone, often due to bacteria, viruses, or fungi entering after trauma or surgery.

Manifestations of Osteomyelitis

Constant, pulsating, localized pain, worsened by movement, with erythema and edema at the infection site.

Diagnosing Osteomyelitis

Using radioactive material or MRI to visualize bone infection. Cultures identify aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Blood cultures check for septicemia.

Treating Osteomyelitis

Prolonged IV and oral antibiotics, surgical debridement, bone grafts, hyperbaric oxygen, and antibiotic beads. Amputation is a last resort.

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Nursing Actions for Osteomyelitis

Administer prescribed antibiotics, manage pain with analgesics, conduct neurovascular assessments post-debridement. Use standard precautions for wound care.

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Study Notes

  • Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that starts as inflammation.
  • It occurs when infectious organisms (viruses, bacteria, or fungi) enter the bone.
  • This penetration often follows trauma or fracture repair surgery.

Manifestations

  • Constant, pulsating, localized bone pain that worsens with movement is a key symptom.
  • Erythema and edema (redness and swelling) appear at the infection site.
  • Fever is common, though older adults may not exhibit one.
  • Leukocytosis (increased white blood cell count) and a possibly elevated sedimentation rate are indicators.
  • Many of these symptoms may disappear if the infection becomes chronic.

Diagnostic Procedures

  • A bone scan using radioactive material helps diagnose osteomyelitis.
  • MRI scans can also aid in diagnosis.
  • Cultures identify possible aerobic and anaerobic organisms.
  • In cases of septicemia, blood cultures will test positive for the microbes causing the infection.

Treatment

  • A long course of IV and oral antibiotics is required, typically lasting 4 to 6 weeks minimum.
  • Surgical debridement (removal of infected tissue) may be necessary.
  • Bone grafts may be needed if a significant amount of bone is removed.
  • Hyperbaric oxygen treatments can aid healing in chronic osteomyelitis cases.
  • Antibiotic beads in bone cement can be surgically implanted in the wound for localized antibiotic therapy.
  • Amputation may be necessary if treatment is unsuccessful.

Nursing Actions

  • Administer antibiotics as prescribed to maintain consistent blood levels.
  • Provide analgesics for pain relief as needed.
  • Conduct neurovascular assessments if debridement is performed.
  • If the wound is left open to heal, standard precautions and clean technique during dressing changes are sufficient.

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