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Learn about the nursing care management of patients with osteoarthritis in this nursing study guide. What is Osteoarthritis?Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequently disabling among joint disorders.
ClassificationOsteoarthritis is classified into two classifications, yet the distinction between the two of them is always unclear.
PathophysiologyOsteoarthritis may be thought of as the result of many factors that, when combined, predispose the patient to the disease.
Osteoarthritis by Osmosis Check out this awesome pathophysiology and easy-to-understand video by Osmosis. Statistics and EpidemiologyOsteoarthritis often begins with the third decade of life and peaks between the fifth and the sixth decades.
CausesUnderstanding of osteoarthritis has been greatly expanded beyond what was previously thought of as simply “wear and tear” related to aging and the causes include:
Clinical ManifestationsOsteoarthritis has primary signs and symptoms, and that includes:
PreventionAlthough no treatment halts the degenerative process, certain preventive measures can slow the progress if undertaken early enough.
Assessment and Diagnostic FindingsDiagnosis of osteoarthritis is complicated only because of 30% of patients with changes seen on x-ray report symptoms.
Medical ManagementMedical management involves conservative measures, physical modalities, and alternative therapies.
Surgical ManagementIn moderate to severe OA, when pain is severe or because of loss of function, surgical intervention may be used.
Nursing ManagementNursing management of the patient with osteoarthritis includes both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic approaches. Nursing AssessmentNursing assessment for OA focuses mainly on history and physical assessment.
DiagnosisBased on the assessment data, nursing diagnoses are: Nursing Care Planning and GoalsMain Article: 4 Osteoarthritis Nursing Care Plans After successful management, a patient with osteoarthritis will:
Nursing InterventionsThe major goals of the nursing intervention are pain management and optimal functional ability.
EvaluationAfter the implementation of the care plan, success is evaluated if the client:
Discharge and Home Care GuidelinesAfter discharge, management of OA should still continue at home.
Documentation GuidelinesThe focus of documentation should include:
Practice Quiz: OsteoarthritisHere’s a 5-item practice quiz for this Osteoarthritis Study Guide. Please visit our nursing test bank for more NCLEX practice questions. 1. The most common type of disabling connective tissue disease in the United States is: A. Carpal tunnel syndrome. B. Degenerative joint disease. C. Fibrositis. D. Polymyositis. 2. Pathophysiologic changes seen with osteoarthritis include: A. Joint cartilage degeneration. B. The formation of bony spurs at the edges of the joint surfaces. C. Narrowing of the joint space. D. All of the above. 3. What are the classifications of osteoarthritis? A. Idiopathic B. Primary C. Secondary D. All of the above 4. At what age does osteoarthritis primarily begins? A. 20 years old B. 30 years old C. 60 years old D. 40 years old 5. The diagnostic test that reveals the narrowing of the joint space is: A. MRI D. Physical assessment Answers and Rationale 1. Answer: B. Degenerative joint disease.
2. Answer: C. Narrowing of the joint space.
3. Answer: D. All of the above
4. Answer: B. 30 years old
5. Answer: C. X-ray
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