It is best care of osteoarthritis patients

1. Osteoarthritis

2. Definition
• Osteoarthritis is a non inflammatory joint disease characterized by
degenerative changes in the articular cartilage; it primarily affects
weight-bearing joints in the hips, knees, and vertebrae but may also
affect the ankles, shoulders, wrists, fingers, and toes.

3. OSTEOARTHRITIS
 Known as the “wear-and-tear” kind of arthritis
 a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of the joint’s
cartilage.
 Cartilage is the part of the joint that cushions the ends of the bones
and allows easy movement of joints. The breakdown of cartilage
causes the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain
and loss of movement in the joint.

4. OSTEOARTHRITIS
AKA
degenerative joint disease,
Ostoarthrosis.
Hypertrophic arthritis.
Degenerative arthritis.

6. Osteoarthritis
Mari
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armela L. Domocmat, RN, MSN

7. Conti…
Osteoarthritis affects more than 50 million American men and
women, primarily those older than age 45.
Osteoarthritis has been associated with aging, obesity, and wear and
tear on the joints; however, a defective gene may account for many
cases of idiopathic osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis may be idiopathic (occurring without a previous injury
or known cause) or secondary (resulting from another injury or
disease.

8. Conti….
Both types of osteoarthritis begin with the breakdown of the hyaline
cartilage covering the ends of the bones on either side of the joint;
 the underlying bones become roughened, and bone cysts, fissures, or
spurs develop on the bone surface;
eventually, the joint space is lost as cartilage loss increases, and the
joint ROM is progressively restricted.
 Pain in the affected joints is caused by inflamed synovium, stretching
of the joint capsule or ligaments, irritation of nerve endings in the
periosteum, and muscle spasms.

10. Maria Carmela L. Domocmat, RN, MSN

13. Maria Carmela L. Domocmat, RN, MSN

14. Diagnosis
Patient history,
Physical examination, x-rays, CT scan, MRI,
 Arthrocentesis, arthrogram, and bone scan may be ordered;
 Complete blood count,
 Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
 Mineral assays,
 Humoral tests for Immunoglobulins, also may be performed.

15. Management
The patient may require support and stabilization of the joint, with a
cane, crutches, a walker, braces, a cervical collar, or traction.
Weight reduction is encouraged in an obese patient
Moist heat and paraffin dips are applied as needed; ice packs may also
be used.
Massage may be helpful.
ROM exercises are performed for all joints, balancing rest with exercise.
Properly fitted shoes are used to help maintain correct posture, decrease
pressure on affected tissues, and increase ambulation.

16. Conti….
Medications such as salicylates, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, muscle
relaxants, and intra-articular steroids may be prescribed to relieve
soreness (systemic steroids aren’t used to treat osteoarthritis because it
isn’t primarily an inflammatory disease)
Studies indicate that glucosamine and chondroitin may be useful in
controlling symptoms and reducing functional impairment
Viscosupplementation—the injection of gel-like substances into the
affected joint—may be helpful
Surgery is considered when other treatments have failed; total or
partial joint replacement, joint fusion (arthrodesis), or osteotomy may
be performed

17. Nursing Interventions
Explain the proposed treatment regimen to the patient
Apply heat, cold, or other ordered treatments to the joint
Administer medications as prescribed
Consult a physical therapist about exercise and other treatments
Help the patient achieve a comfortable position, using pillows as needed, to
promote rest
Teach the patient how to use an ambulatory aid; walkers, canes, and other
aids decrease weight on the affected joints and help to minimize cartilage
erosion; teach proper body mechanics to prevent injury
 Encourage the patient to perform ADLs when possible, to maintain muscle
strength and joint ROM
Provide skin care to maintain skin integrity

18. References
• Lippincott review for Medical Surgical Nursing Certificate.
• https://youtu.be/pnKaBMvVUs0