MSK Nursing Assessment

• What are the components of past medical history in MSK nursing assessment?

  Family history, medications, lifestyle factors
• What subjective data is collected regarding joints in MSK nursing assessment?

  Pain, stiffness, swelling, heat, redness
• What subjective data is collected regarding muscles in MSK nursing assessment?

  Pain, cramping, weakness
• What subjective data is collected regarding bones in MSK nursing assessment?

  Pain, deformity
• What question is asked about usual activities in MSK nursing assessment?

  Any limits on your usual activities?
• What are the key components of the physical examination in MSK nursing assessment?

  • Inspection: posture, gait, symmetry, muscle mass, assistive device
  • Palpation: tenderness, swelling, warmth
  • Range of Motion: active, passive
  • Muscle Strength Testing: grading scale (0-5)
• What is the grading scale for muscle strength testing?

  0-5
• What indicates full range of motion in joints during assessment?

  Full range without pain or laxity
• What should be observed regarding joint conditions during assessment?

  No joint swelling, deformity, or crepitation
• What is expected regarding spinal curvatures during assessment?

  Normal spinal curvatures
• What should be noted during palpation of the spine?

  No tenderness on palpation of spine
• What indicates muscle condition during assessment?

  No muscle atrophy or asymmetry
• What is the expected muscle strength rating?

  Muscle strength of 5
• What are the common imaging studies used for diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions?

  • X-ray: first line test for fractures, alignment, density
  • CT scan: detailed bone structure
  • MRI: soft tissue evaluation (ligaments, cartilage, muscle)
  • Bone scans: assess metabolic activity in bones
• Why are MRIs not always used for musculoskeletal assessment?

  Long wait-times, less accessible than X-ray
• What laboratory tests are essential for bone health assessment?

  • Calcium and phosphorus levels
  • Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): enzyme related to bone turnover
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
  • C-reactive protein (CRP)
• What does alkaline phosphatase (ALP) indicate in bone health?

  It is related to bone turnover
• What do calcium and phosphorus levels indicate?

  Essential for bone health
• What does the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measure?

  Inflammation in the body
• What does C-reactive protein (CRP) indicate?

  Inflammation in the body