Nursing and Health

1. The patient suffered from osteoarthritis (OA).

2. The signs and symptoms she showed were;

- a right knee joint stiffness

-aching pain and limited movement that is worse when she rises in the morning or after inactivity.

3. The medications she took were;

- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

- NSAIDs ( Motrin or Advil)

4. The diagnostic procedures that were performed in order to diagnose the disease were;

- an x-ray on her knees laterally

- valgus deformity

5. The surgical procedures that were performed were surgery for total knee replacement (TKR) where a
prosthetic device was fitted in place.

6. Medical terms explained;

Acetaminophen - also known as paracetamol in some countries, is a widely used over-the-counter

Tylenol is a brand name for acetaminophen, a common over-the-counter medication used to relieve
pain and reduce fever. It is one of the most popular acetaminophen-based medications available and is
widely used for a variety of conditions, namely;

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are a class of medications commonly used to relieve
pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. They are available both over-the-counter and by
prescription.

Common NSAIDs:

1. Over-the-Counter (OTC):

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

Naproxen (Aleve)

Aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin)

Celecoxib (Celebrex)

Diclofenac (Voltaren)

Indomethacin (Indocin)

Meloxicam (Mobic)

Motrin - Motrin is a brand name for ibuprofen, a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
(NSAID). It is available over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription in higher doses. Motrin is commonly
used for pain relief, inflammation reduction, and fever management.

Advil - Advil is a brand name for ibuprofen, just like Motrin. It’s a widely used over-the-counter non-
steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps with pain relief, inflammation, and fever reduction.

X-ray - An X-ray is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses a small amount of ionizing radiation to
create pictures of the inside of the body. It is a non-invasive and widely used method to examine bones,
organs, and tissues.

A lateral X-ray is a type of radiographic imaging where the X-ray beam passes through the body from
one side to the other, providing a side view of the body part being examined. This view is often used in
combination with other views, such as an anterior-posterior (AP) view, to get a comprehensive
understanding of the structure or condition of a body part.

Valgus deformity refers to a condition where a body part is angled outward (away from the midline of
the body). This term is often used to describe abnormalities in the alignment of joints, particularly in the
legs or arms.

Articular cartilage is a smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they meet to form
joints. It is essential for proper joint function, allowing bones to glide smoothly against each other while
minimizing friction and absorbing shock.

Surgery is a medical procedure in which a doctor, typically a surgeon, uses operative techniques to
diagnose, treat, or repair conditions within the body. It can be performed for a wide variety of purposes,
from removing diseased tissue to correcting anatomical deformities.

TKR stands for Total Knee Replacement, which is a type of surgery in which a damaged or worn-out knee
joint is replaced with an artificial implant. It is typically performed to relieve pain and improve function
in patients with severe knee arthritis or other knee conditions that affect mobility.

A prosthesis is an artificial device designed to replace a missing or damaged body part. Prostheses are
used to restore functionality, improve appearance, and enhance the quality of life for individuals who
have lost a limb or part of a limb due to injury, disease, or congenital conditions.
An incision is a surgical cut made in the body to allow access to underlying tissues or organs. It is
typically made using a scalpel or other surgical instruments during various medical procedures, from
diagnostic tests to major surgeries.

Surgical clips are small metal devices used in surgery to close blood vessels, tissue, or other anatomical
structures. They are commonly employed in various types of surgeries to control bleeding, secure
tissues, or assist in procedures like the closure of blood vessels after removal of a tumor or during organ
surgeries.

OA stands for Osteoarthritis, a common type of arthritis that involves the degeneration of the articular
cartilage in joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It primarily affects weight-bearing
joints such as the knees, hips, and spine, but it can also affect the hands and other joints.

A prosthetic device is an artificial tool or limb designed to replace a missing or damaged body part,
helping restore function and, in some cases, appearance. Prostheses are used for various reasons,
including limb loss due to trauma, disease (e.g., amputation due to diabetes or cancer), congenital
conditions, or surgical removal of a part of the body.

PT stands for Physical Therapy (or Physiotherapy), a healthcare field focused on restoring movement,
improving function, and enhancing quality of life through exercise, manual therapy, and education.
Physical therapists (PTs) work with patients of all ages to address a wide range of conditions.

7. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the many tissues of the joint. It is by
far the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 32.5 million adults in the United States,
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This serious, painful condition is the most
common form of arthritis and can affect any joint.

Causes

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints gradually
deteriorates. Cartilage is a firm, slippery tissue that enables nearly frictionless joint motion. Eventually, if
the cartilage wears down completely, bone will rub on bone.

Osteoarthritis has often been referred to as a wear and tear disease. But besides the breakdown of
cartilage, osteoarthritis affects the entire joint. It causes changes in the bone and deterioration of the
connective tissues that hold the joint together and attach muscle to bone. It also causes inflammation of
the joint lining.

Risk Factors of OA:

1. Age: The risk increases with age, as cartilage naturally wears down over time.

2. Genetics: Family history can increase the likelihood of developing OA.

3. Joint Injury: Previous injuries or surgeries to joints may increase the risk of OA later in life.
4. Obesity: Excess body weight puts additional stress on joints, particularly the knees, accelerating
cartilage wear.

5. Gender: Women are more likely to develop OA, especially after menopause, although it can affect
both men and women.

6. Repeated stress on the joint. If your job or a sport you play places repetitive stress on a joint, that
joint might eventually develop osteoarthritis.

7. Certain metabolic diseases. These include diabetes and a condition in which your body has too much
iron (hemochromatosis).

Symptoms of OA:

1. Pain: Joint pain that worsens with activity or after long periods of rest.

2. Stiffness: Joint stiffness, particularly in the morning or after long periods of inactivity.

3. Swelling: Mild swelling around the affected joint due to inflammation.

4. Limited Range of Motion: Reduced ability to move the joint fully.

5. Grating Sensation: A feeling of grating or crunching in the joint when moving, due to roughened
cartilage surfaces.

Diagnosis:

1. Clinical Evaluation: A doctor will assess symptoms, medical history, and conduct a physical
examination.

2. X-rays: Used to detect joint space narrowing, bone spurs, or other changes in the joint structure.

3. MRI: Provides detailed images of cartilage, bone, and surrounding tissues to assess the extent of
damage.

Treatment Options:

1. Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments:

Medications:

- Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen).

- NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) for inflammation.

- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain.

- Hyaluronic acid injections to lubricate the joint.

Lifestyle Modifications:

Weight management to reduce stress on affected joints.

Activity modification to avoid repetitive movements or high-impact activities.

Assistive Devices: Braces, orthotic shoes, or canes to support joints and improve mobility.

2. Surgical Treatments:

Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove damaged tissue or smooth the joint surface.

Osteotomy: The surgical cutting and realignment of bones to shift the load away from the damaged part
of the joint.

Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): A complete or partial replacement of the affected joint, such as knee
replacement or hip replacement.

Management and Prognosis:

While OA is a chronic condition and does not have a cure, its progression can often be managed with a
combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and therapies.

With appropriate treatment, most people with OA can manage symptoms and maintain a good quality
of life, although severe cases may lead to disability.