Activity E: Differentiate the following conditions of the extremities based on the given criteria.

Conditions Location Cause Commonly Affected

Groups/Associated Activities
Epicondylitis
Ganglion
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Differentiate between the features of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis based on the given criteria.
Criteria Rheumatoid Arthritis Osteoarthritis
Affected age groups
Affected sex
Onset of symptoms
Pain level
Duration of stiffness

Activity F: Briefly answer the following questions.
1. What possible complications could arise from joint dislocations?
2. List the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear.
3. What nursing interventions are recommended for a client with ankylosing spondylitis?
4. Define the nurses role after the client has undergone a musculoskeletal biopsy.
5. List immediate priority nursing interventions for a client with a traumatic injury.
6. Clients who cannot or do not consume sufficient dairy products may not mee their calcium requirement through
their diet. What nondairy sources of calcium might the nurse suggest to such client.
SECTION II: APPLYING YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Activity H: Give rationales for the following situations that require nursing care for clients with musculoskeletal
disorders.
1. A client is being treated for a fracture. Why should the nurse warn the client against inactivity during recovery?
2. Why should the nurse encourage the client with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to move affected parts gently during
episodes of acute pain?
3. A client with RA has persistent anemia even though her dietary intake of iron is adequate. How would the nurse
explain this to the client?
4. Why would the nurse keep changing the position of a client with a fracture reduction?
5. Why would the nurse teach clients to avoid taking oral calcium preparations with other oral drugs?
6. Why should the nurse perform neurovascular assessments every 30 minutes for several hours in a client with a
partial dislocation?

Activity I: Musculoskeletal disorders can be painful and stressful; they also can limit the clients ability to perform
ADLs. For clients with musculoskeletal disorders, nurses assume an important role in monitoring medication
regimens, explaining tests and procedures, and providing physical and emotional support to manage their
conditions. Answer the questions related to the following situations involving clients with various musculoskeletal
disorders.
1. Stephanie, an athlete, is recovering from a mild dislocation of the kneecap and intends to resume sports as soon
as she can. What advice should the nurse give Stephanie to minimize the risk of any further injury or
complications?
2. Carlos undergoes orthopedic surgery. The nurse begins to provide postoperative care to Carlos. What specific
nursing interventions are involved?
3. What important guidelines does the nurse emphasize when counseling Julia, a client with osteoporosis?
4. Alice, a client with systemic lupus erythematosus, frequently has chronic pain from the inflammation associated
with the disease. What pointers should the nurse include in the teaching plan to help relieve Alices discomfort?
5. Sophia, a 49-year-old school teacher from Florida, is currently experiencing menopause. Within the next year,
she plans to move to Canada, where the climate is much colder and less sunny than in Florida. During her
periodic health examination, Sophia tells the nurse that she regularly takes calcium tablets to minimize her risk of
osteoporosis. She also mentions her pending relocation. What advice related to prevention of osteoporosis and the
change in climate would the nurse offer Sophia?
6. Paul, 75 years old, is being discharged from the health care facility after surgery to correct a joint dysfunction
after a fall he experienced in his home, where he lives alone. Pauls sons are planning to stay with their father
during part of his recovery. What advice would the nurse give to Paul and his family?

Activity J: Think over the following questions and then discuss them with your instructor or peers.
1. Some clients want to use methods such as the application of herbal balms or hot and cold compresses to treat
mild sprains, fractures, and similar injuries. How would a nurse provide appropriate advice to such clients?
2. Freddie, a young basketball player famous in his home town, underwent surgery on his leg after a serious motor
accident. He requires further treatments and may have to walk with crutches for a few years. Since the accident,
friends and family have noticed that Freddie seems to have decreased self-esteem and appears depressed. He
rejects attempts from others to comfort and encourage him. He also has shown episodes of rage and anger, even
though he was mild mannered before his accident. How can nurses involved in Freddies care help improve his
coping skills?