MUSCULOSKELETAL PT 1 | GUARANTEED SUCCESS STARTS
HERE! LEARN, PRACTICE & EXCEL!
Musculoskeletal System Function Answer: Protection of vital organs
Mobility and movement
Facilitate return of blood to the heart
Production of blood cells (hematopoiesis)
Reservoir for immature blood cells
Reservoir for vital minerals
Physical Assessment: Posture Answer: Scoliosis: abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.,
kyphosis: excessive outward curvature of the spine, causing hunching of the back.,
lordosis: excessive inward curvature of the spine.
Diagnostic Tests: x-ray Answer: Fractures, fluid in joints, bone density, healing
Diagnostic Tests: CT Answer: Tumors, injury to soft tissue/ligaments/tendons, extent of
fractures
Diagnostic Tests: MRI Answer: Soft tissue injury, herniated discs
Diagnostic Tests: Arthrography Answer: Contrast, ligament tears, joint capsule
abnormalities, compression/rest after
-Uses contrast so need to know allergies
-Compression immediately after
-Patient at risk for infection, look for signs and symptoms
Diagnostic Tests: DEXA Scan Answer: Bone mineral density, specific to an area or whole
body
Diagnostic Tests: Bone scan Answer: Bone tumors, osteomyelitis, degeneration,
radioisotope IV
Diagnostic Tests: Arthroscopy Answer: Direct visualization of joint, surgically inserted,
compression/rest after
Complications: infection, hemarthrosis, neurovascular compromise, stiffness, adhesions
APPHIA – Crafted with Care and Precision for Academic Excellence. 1
, Nerovascular compromise: So checking 5P's
Diagnostic Tests:Arthrocentesis Answer: Aspiration of synovial fluid from joint, pain relief
and diagnostic purposes
Diagnostic Tests: EMG Answer: Aspiration of synovial fluid from joint, pain relief and
diagnostic purposes
Diagnostic Tests: EMG Answer: Electrical potential of muscles and nerves
Diagnostic Tests: Biopsy Answer: bone marrow, bone, muscle
Diagnostic Tests: Laboratory Studies Answer: Serum calcium, phosphorus, ALK
phosphatase, urine calcium
Gerontologic Considerations Answer: Loss of bone mass and height
Atrophy of muscles, less flexibility
Thinning of intervertebral discs
Lax ligaments
Describe casts Answer: Rigid, external immobilizing device
Used for immobilizing fractures, correcting deformity, applying pressure to soft tissue,
supporting joints
Describe splints Answer: Contoured immobilizing device
Used when swelling is anticipated, for special skin care, rigid immobilization not required
Describe Braces Answer: Provide support, control movement, prevent injury
Custom fitted
Education Needs of Patient with Cast: Before application Answer: Explanation of reason
for cast
Purpose and goals of cast
Expectations during the application process
Education Needs of Patient with Cast: Cast Care Answer: Keep dry, do not cover with
plastic ALL the time
Education Needs of Patient with Cast: Positioning Answer: Elevation
Slings
Education Needs of Patient with Cast Answer: Do not scratch or stick objects under cast
APPHIA – Crafted with Care and Precision for Academic Excellence. 2
HERE! LEARN, PRACTICE & EXCEL!
Musculoskeletal System Function Answer: Protection of vital organs
Mobility and movement
Facilitate return of blood to the heart
Production of blood cells (hematopoiesis)
Reservoir for immature blood cells
Reservoir for vital minerals
Physical Assessment: Posture Answer: Scoliosis: abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.,
kyphosis: excessive outward curvature of the spine, causing hunching of the back.,
lordosis: excessive inward curvature of the spine.
Diagnostic Tests: x-ray Answer: Fractures, fluid in joints, bone density, healing
Diagnostic Tests: CT Answer: Tumors, injury to soft tissue/ligaments/tendons, extent of
fractures
Diagnostic Tests: MRI Answer: Soft tissue injury, herniated discs
Diagnostic Tests: Arthrography Answer: Contrast, ligament tears, joint capsule
abnormalities, compression/rest after
-Uses contrast so need to know allergies
-Compression immediately after
-Patient at risk for infection, look for signs and symptoms
Diagnostic Tests: DEXA Scan Answer: Bone mineral density, specific to an area or whole
body
Diagnostic Tests: Bone scan Answer: Bone tumors, osteomyelitis, degeneration,
radioisotope IV
Diagnostic Tests: Arthroscopy Answer: Direct visualization of joint, surgically inserted,
compression/rest after
Complications: infection, hemarthrosis, neurovascular compromise, stiffness, adhesions
APPHIA – Crafted with Care and Precision for Academic Excellence. 1
, Nerovascular compromise: So checking 5P's
Diagnostic Tests:Arthrocentesis Answer: Aspiration of synovial fluid from joint, pain relief
and diagnostic purposes
Diagnostic Tests: EMG Answer: Aspiration of synovial fluid from joint, pain relief and
diagnostic purposes
Diagnostic Tests: EMG Answer: Electrical potential of muscles and nerves
Diagnostic Tests: Biopsy Answer: bone marrow, bone, muscle
Diagnostic Tests: Laboratory Studies Answer: Serum calcium, phosphorus, ALK
phosphatase, urine calcium
Gerontologic Considerations Answer: Loss of bone mass and height
Atrophy of muscles, less flexibility
Thinning of intervertebral discs
Lax ligaments
Describe casts Answer: Rigid, external immobilizing device
Used for immobilizing fractures, correcting deformity, applying pressure to soft tissue,
supporting joints
Describe splints Answer: Contoured immobilizing device
Used when swelling is anticipated, for special skin care, rigid immobilization not required
Describe Braces Answer: Provide support, control movement, prevent injury
Custom fitted
Education Needs of Patient with Cast: Before application Answer: Explanation of reason
for cast
Purpose and goals of cast
Expectations during the application process
Education Needs of Patient with Cast: Cast Care Answer: Keep dry, do not cover with
plastic ALL the time
Education Needs of Patient with Cast: Positioning Answer: Elevation
Slings
Education Needs of Patient with Cast Answer: Do not scratch or stick objects under cast
APPHIA – Crafted with Care and Precision for Academic Excellence. 2
