VNSG 1500 – Nursing In Health and Illness I
Unit IV – Care of the Client with Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System
Behavioral Objectives Content Learning Opportunities
1. Discuss assessment of clients with I. Assessment Williams and Hopper…. Chapter 45
musculoskeletal disorders. A. History
B. Physical assessment
1. Pain
2. Altered sensation
3. Structural changes
a. Kyphosis
b. Lordosis
c. Scoliosis
d. Contracture
e. Atrophy
f. Joint deformities
4. Muscular weakness
a. Grip strength
5. Mobility (gait)
6. Neurovascular impairment
a. Pain
b. Pallor
c. Paresthesia
d. Pulselessness
e. Paralysis
f. Capillalry refill
C. Risk factors
D. Developmental variations
2. Identify clinical significance and nursing II. Diagnostic Tests Williams and Hopper…. Chapter 45
implications of various tests and procedures A. Lab tests
used fro diagnosis of musculoskeletal 1. blood and urine calcium levels
disorders. a. Phosphatase
B. Diagnostic imaging
1. X-ray
2. Scans/MRI
C. Arthroscopy
Behavioral Objectives Content Learning Opportunities
3. Using the nursing process describe the III. Assistive devices Williams and Hopper…. Chapter 46
nursing management of the client needing A. Casts Timby…. Chapters 25 and 26
assistive devices. B. Tractions
C. Splints
D. Turning frames
E. Prosthesis
F. Braces
G. Crutches
H. Walker
4. Describe etiology, pathophysiology, and IV. Selected Problems Associated with the Williams and Hopper… Chapter 46
clinical manifestations of the selected Musculoskeletal System
musculoskeletal disorders. A. Arthritis
1. Rheumatoid
2. Osteoarthritis
B. Gout
C. Osteoporosis
D. Traumatic injuries
1. Contusions
2. Sprains/Strains
3. Fractures
5. Using the nursing process to describe care V. Implementation Roach Pharmacology
for clients with selected musculoskeletal A. Dependent
disorders including treatments, 1. Medications Internet Research Case Studies
medications, teaching plans and a. Salicylates
complications. b. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories
(NASAIDs)
c. Corticosteroids
d. Analgesics
e. Immunosuppressants
B. Independent
1. Cast care
2. Skin care
3. Positioning
4. Prevention of injury
5. Monitor for signs and symptoms of
complications
Behavioral Objectives Content Learning Opportunities
a. Fat embolus Internet Research
b. Gas gangrene
c. Tetanus
d. Compartment syndrome
e. Volkman’s contracture
6. Patient Teaching
7. Refer to community resources
a. American Chronic Pain
Association
b. Arthritis Foundation
c. National Easter Seals Society
d. National Osteoporosis Foundation
e. National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin
Disorders
f. National Osteoporosis Association
g. National Association of
Orthopedic Nurses
h. National Rheumatoid Association
C. Interdependent
1. Pain assessment
2. Activity levels
3. Muscle setting exercises
4. Gait training
5. Physical therapy
6. Discuss the interdisciplinary approach to VI. Rehabilitation
rehabilitation for the care of clients with A. Interdisciplinary approach to rehab
self-care deficit, impaired physical 1. Activities of Daily Living
mobility, impaired skin integrity, and 2. Positioning
altered patterns of elimination. 3. Range of Motion Exercises
4. Independent mobility
5. Ambulatory aides
6. Skin integrity
6. Urinary and bowel training
B. Role of rehab team members
C. Significance of continuity of care
Behavioral Objectives Content Learning Opportunities
7. Discuss nursing care of clients having VII. Orthopedic surgeries Roach Geriatrics…. Chapter 19
surgeries involving the musculoskeletal A. Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF)
system. B. Reconstructive joint surgery
1. Hip replacement
2. Knee replacement
C. Amputations
1. Phantom limb pain\
2. Prosthesis
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