LVN Study Guide_ Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Procedures & Nursing Care – Complete Prep 2026 2026-03-05
LVN Study Guide:
Musculoskeletal Diagnostic
Procedures & Nursing Care –
Complete Prep 2026
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LVN Study Guide Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Procedures and Nursing Care 2026-03-05
LVN Study Guide: Musculoskeletal
Diagnostic Examinations
1. Radiographic Studies (X-Rays)
Purpose:
● Detect fractures, joint abnormalities, spur formation, fluid in joints.
● Assess bone length and locate hidden lesions or foreign bodies.
Key Variations:
● Standard X-ray: Fractures, joint changes.
● Laminography/Planography: Small cavities, lesions obscured by dense tissue.
● Scanography: Accurate bone length measurement.
Nursing Considerations:
● Always ask women of childbearing age about possible pregnancy before exposure.
● Remove metal objects from the area being imaged.
2. Myelogram
Purpose:
● Detect herniated discs, tumors, spinal infections.
● Visualize spinal cord and vertebral column.
Procedure:
● Radiopaque dye injected into subarachnoid space (L4–L5).
● Patient positioned on tilting table to move dye.
Pre-Test Nursing Care:
● Check allergies to iodine/seafood (contrast reaction risk).
● Explain needle insertion is below spinal cord level.
● Obtain consent.
Post-Test Nursing Care:
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LVN Study Guide Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Procedures and Nursing Care 2026-03-05
● Water-soluble dye: Semi-Fowler’s position × 8 hrs, encourage fluids.
● Oil-based dye: Flat × 12 hrs.
● Monitor for headache, stiff neck, leg weakness, difficulty voiding.
● Watch for rare complications: seizure, infection, paralysis.
3. Nuclear Scanning
Purpose:
● Detect abnormalities using low-dose radioactive isotopes.
Nursing Care:
● Obtain written consent.
● Reassure: isotopes are safe for family/visitors.
● Follow prep instructions from nuclear medicine department.
4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Purpose:
● Detailed imaging of bones, joints, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues.
Pre-Test Nursing Care:
● Remove all metal objects.
● Screen for pacemakers, metal implants, shrapnel.
● Explain enclosed space; offer relaxation techniques or sedation if ordered.
● Provide ear protection for loud noises.
Post-Test:
● Resume normal activities; no adverse effects.
5. Computed Tomography (CT Scan)
Purpose:
● 3D imaging for fractures, ligament/tendon injuries, tumors.
● More sensitive than X-ray.
Pre-Test Nursing Care:
● Consent form, baseline vitals, void before test.
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LVN Study Guide Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Procedures and Nursing Care 2026-03-05
● Remove metal objects.
● If contrast used:
○ Check iodine/seafood allergies.
○ NPO 3–4 hrs before.
○ Start IV; warn of warmth/burning sensation.
Post-Test:
● Monitor for delayed allergic reaction.
● Encourage fluids (unless contraindicated).
6. Bone Scan
Purpose:
● Detect metastatic bone disease, osteomyelitis.
● Identify abnormalities before X-ray changes appear.
Procedure:
● IV nuclides given 2–3 hrs before scan.
● Encourage water intake to clear excess isotope.
● Patient voids before scan.
● Lie still for 30–60 min during imaging.
7. Aspiration
Purpose:
● Obtain fluid or tissue sample for analysis.
Nursing Care: Pre-Procedure:
● Consent form signed.
● Explain procedure; encourage immobility.
● Have patient void.
● Maintain sterile technique.
Post-Procedure:
● Apply sterile pressure dressing until bleeding stops.
● Rest and elevate affected area; apply ice to reduce inflammation.
● Monitor for infection signs.
● Label and send specimen promptly.
Page 4 LVN Study Guide Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Procedures and Nursing Care.pdf
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LVN Study Guide:
Musculoskeletal Diagnostic
Procedures & Nursing Care –
Complete Prep 2026
Page 1 Guidehttps://www.stuvia.com/dashboard!@_)#*)(@$)($@*($@)($@*_ LVN Study Guide_ Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Procedures & Nursing Care – Complete Prep 2026.pdf
, lOMoARcPSD|64109549
LVN Study Guide Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Procedures and Nursing Care 2026-03-05
LVN Study Guide: Musculoskeletal
Diagnostic Examinations
1. Radiographic Studies (X-Rays)
Purpose:
● Detect fractures, joint abnormalities, spur formation, fluid in joints.
● Assess bone length and locate hidden lesions or foreign bodies.
Key Variations:
● Standard X-ray: Fractures, joint changes.
● Laminography/Planography: Small cavities, lesions obscured by dense tissue.
● Scanography: Accurate bone length measurement.
Nursing Considerations:
● Always ask women of childbearing age about possible pregnancy before exposure.
● Remove metal objects from the area being imaged.
2. Myelogram
Purpose:
● Detect herniated discs, tumors, spinal infections.
● Visualize spinal cord and vertebral column.
Procedure:
● Radiopaque dye injected into subarachnoid space (L4–L5).
● Patient positioned on tilting table to move dye.
Pre-Test Nursing Care:
● Check allergies to iodine/seafood (contrast reaction risk).
● Explain needle insertion is below spinal cord level.
● Obtain consent.
Post-Test Nursing Care:
Page 2 LVN Study Guide Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Procedures and Nursing Care.pdf
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LVN Study Guide Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Procedures and Nursing Care 2026-03-05
● Water-soluble dye: Semi-Fowler’s position × 8 hrs, encourage fluids.
● Oil-based dye: Flat × 12 hrs.
● Monitor for headache, stiff neck, leg weakness, difficulty voiding.
● Watch for rare complications: seizure, infection, paralysis.
3. Nuclear Scanning
Purpose:
● Detect abnormalities using low-dose radioactive isotopes.
Nursing Care:
● Obtain written consent.
● Reassure: isotopes are safe for family/visitors.
● Follow prep instructions from nuclear medicine department.
4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Purpose:
● Detailed imaging of bones, joints, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues.
Pre-Test Nursing Care:
● Remove all metal objects.
● Screen for pacemakers, metal implants, shrapnel.
● Explain enclosed space; offer relaxation techniques or sedation if ordered.
● Provide ear protection for loud noises.
Post-Test:
● Resume normal activities; no adverse effects.
5. Computed Tomography (CT Scan)
Purpose:
● 3D imaging for fractures, ligament/tendon injuries, tumors.
● More sensitive than X-ray.
Pre-Test Nursing Care:
● Consent form, baseline vitals, void before test.
Page 3 LVN Study Guide Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Procedures and Nursing Care.pdf
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LVN Study Guide Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Procedures and Nursing Care 2026-03-05
● Remove metal objects.
● If contrast used:
○ Check iodine/seafood allergies.
○ NPO 3–4 hrs before.
○ Start IV; warn of warmth/burning sensation.
Post-Test:
● Monitor for delayed allergic reaction.
● Encourage fluids (unless contraindicated).
6. Bone Scan
Purpose:
● Detect metastatic bone disease, osteomyelitis.
● Identify abnormalities before X-ray changes appear.
Procedure:
● IV nuclides given 2–3 hrs before scan.
● Encourage water intake to clear excess isotope.
● Patient voids before scan.
● Lie still for 30–60 min during imaging.
7. Aspiration
Purpose:
● Obtain fluid or tissue sample for analysis.
Nursing Care: Pre-Procedure:
● Consent form signed.
● Explain procedure; encourage immobility.
● Have patient void.
● Maintain sterile technique.
Post-Procedure:
● Apply sterile pressure dressing until bleeding stops.
● Rest and elevate affected area; apply ice to reduce inflammation.
● Monitor for infection signs.
● Label and send specimen promptly.
Page 4 LVN Study Guide Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Procedures and Nursing Care.pdf
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