Orthopaedic Nurse Flashcards

Type IV osteogenesis imperfecta has been identified in a child who has sustained many fractures. What kind of exercise is most advantageous?

Answer: Swimming

Type IV osteogenesis imperfecta causes fragile bones and an increased risk of fractures. Swimming is an ideal exercise because it provides a non-weight-bearing environment, significantly reducing stress on the bones while still allowing for muscle strengthening and cardiovascular conditioning. This minimizes the risk of fractures compared to high-impact activities like jogging or weight lifting.

The right foot is polydactyl when a baby is born, although there is no bone involvement. The best course of action at this time would be

Answer: tie off the extra digit with a silk suture or vascular clip

When a polydactyl digit (extra digit) has no bone involvement, it is typically a soft tissue tag. Tying off the digit at its base with a silk suture or vascular clip restricts blood flow, causing the tissue to necrose and fall off naturally within a few days or weeks. This is a simple, non-surgical procedure that avoids the risks associated with surgical excision for a non-bony appendage.

A 30-year-old guy is admitted to the hospital for intravenous antibiotics because he has septic arthritis in his right knee. Which of the following additional treatments would be essential to getting rid of the infection?

Answer: Joint drainage

Septic arthritis is a severe infection within a joint, often caused by bacteria. While intravenous antibiotics are essential to kill the bacteria, the infected synovial fluid and pus must be removed from the joint space to reduce the bacterial load, relieve pressure, and prevent cartilage destruction. Joint drainage, either through aspiration or surgical lavage, is crucial for effective treatment and preserving joint function.

Which of the following consequences should be specifically watched in patients with psoriatic lesions on their nails?

Answer: Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition, and psoriatic lesions on the nails are a common manifestation. A significant percentage of individuals with psoriasis, especially those with nail involvement, are at an increased risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. This is an inflammatory arthritis that affects joints and entheses, making monitoring for joint symptoms crucial in these patients.

For a herniated cervical disk, a patient underwent a cervical discectomy. An indication of recurrent laryngeal nerve harm could be

Answer: hoarseness

The recurrent laryngeal nerve innervates the vocal cords and is located in close proximity to the surgical field during an anterior cervical discectomy. Damage to this nerve during surgery can lead to vocal cord paralysis or dysfunction. Hoarseness is a primary symptom of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, indicating a need for immediate assessment and intervention.

What is the most crucial course of action when an osteoarthritic joint experiences noticeably increased pain and inflammation?

Answer: Resting the joint

When an osteoarthritic joint experiences significantly increased pain and inflammation, it indicates an exacerbation of the condition, often due to overuse or stress. Resting the joint helps to reduce mechanical stress, decrease inflammation, and alleviate pain. While other treatments may follow, initial rest is crucial to calm the acute flare-up and prevent further irritation.