Understanding Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

• Chronic condition characterized by bone deterioration leading to fractures
• Results from an imbalance between osteoclasts (break down bone) and osteoblasts (build bone)
• Silent disease, often diagnosed after a fracture occurs
• Risk factors include alcohol consumption, Vitamin D deficiency, caffeine, and age (post-menopausal women with decreased estrogen)
• Diagnosis: Bone mineral density test (T score: -1 and above is normal, -1 to -2.5 indicates low bone density, -2.5 and below indicates osteoporosis)
• Treatment: Prevention is key, muscle strengthening, Calcium and Vitamin D supplements, bisphosphonates (impede bone resorption), and estrogen antagonists (help with bone remodeling)

Meningococcal Meningitis

• Inflammation of the meninges caused by N. meningitidis bacteria
• Transmission: Inhaled through the respiratory tract
• Symptoms: Fever, headache, altered mental status, nuchal rigidity, and petechial rash
• Diagnosis: CSF exam via lumbar puncture
• Treatment: Broad-spectrum antibiotics for 14-21 days, droplet precautions
• Complications: Decreased calcium levels, urticarial rash (hives), bacterial infection

Meningitis (Viral)

• Inflammation of the meninges caused by a viral infection
• Symptoms: Fever, headache, altered mental status, nuchal rigidity
• Diagnosis: CSF with viral infection will be clear, with increased protein and normal glucose levels
• Cerebrospinal fluid: Clear fluid found in the brain and spinal cord, assessed in neurological conditions

Alzheimer's Disease

• Gradual progression of brain function loss
• Affects memory, thinking, and behavior
• Symptoms: Forgetfulness, language difficulty, short-term memory loss, personality changes, difficulty with problem-solving
• Diagnosis: Autopsy, symptoms
• Treatment: Medications to help with progression (Aricept, Namenda), nursing care (reorient patient, engage in activities, use gestures, validate feelings)

Parkinson's Disease

• Progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor function
• Symptoms: Resting tremors, muscle rigidity, slowness or loss of movement, postural instability (falls), mask-like face
• Treatment: Anticholinergics (reduce tremors), dopamine receptor agonists, nursing care (smaller meals, increased head of bed, promote independence)

Epilepsy

• Chronic disorder characterized by two or more seizures within 24 hours
• Symptoms: Sensory disturbance, loss of LOC, convulsions
• Treatment: Anticonvulsants, brain surgery, nursing care (IV access, suction at bedside, side rails up)

Seizures and Related Pharmacology

• Sudden, uncontrolled, excessive discharge of electrical activity from the brain
• Symptoms: Behavior changes, convulsions, loss of LOC
• Types: Partial and generalized seizures
• Diagnosis: CT, MRI
• Treatment: Anticonvulsants, status epilepticus emergency management

Spinal Cord Injury

• Damage to the spinal cord resulting in functional loss of mobility or sensation
• Causes: Concussion, contusion, compression, tearing, laceration, transection, or ischemia of the spinal cord
• Symptoms: Depend on the level of injury (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral)
• Treatment: No reversal of spinal cord damage, assess/maintain airway, breathing, and circulation, manage complications

Increased Intracranial Pressure

• Increased pressure in the skull due to brain tissue, blood, or CSF
• Symptoms: Changes in VS (bradycardia, decreased respirations, temperature, hypertension), projectile vomiting, decerebrate posturing, aphasia, dilated pupils, widened pulse pressure
• Treatment: Decrease pressure with medications, raising head of bed, maintaining airway, surgical procedure

MRI

• Magnetic resonance imaging, used to assess for diseases or organs
• Gives a 3D image, patients should not have metal on them, can return to normal activities after the procedure

Osteomalacia

• Softening of the bones due to Vitamin D deficiency
• Can lead to osteoporosis
• Treatment: Vitamin D supplements or sun exposure

Bacterial Meningitis

• Inflammation of the meninges caused by bacteria
• Symptoms: Fever, nuchal rigidity, altered mental status, headache
• Diagnosis: CSF lumbar puncture, wait for C&S
• Treatment: Broad-spectrum antibiotics IV, droplet precautions

Traumatic Brain Injury

• Disruption to normal brain function due to trauma (blow, bump)
• Types: Fractures, hematomas, contusions, penetrating injury
• Treatment: Anticholinergics, dopamine receptor agonists, nursing care (increased head of bed, promote independence, suction at bedside)

Concussion

• Blunt force to the head causing the brain to hit the inside of the skull
• Symptoms: Memory problems, headache, N/V
• Treatment: Rest, do not let patients drive home after having a concussion

Stroke

• Disruption of blood flow in the brain
• Causes: Blood vessel blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding into the brain (hemorrhagic stroke)
• Symptoms: Weakness, trouble speaking, severe headache, dizziness
• Treatment: Depends on type (ischemic tPA, hemorrhagic surgical interventions)
• Nursing care: Ask when symptoms started, keep patient supine

Learn about osteoporosis, a chronic condition that leads to bone deterioration and fractures. Discover the risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options for this silent disease.