Musculoskeletal examination should include strength testing , especially of the muscles acting on the hand and fingers, range of motion examination of all joints affected, and examination for discontinuity of joints or tendons and muscle spasm or trigger points.
What is included in a musculoskeletal assessment?
To assess the musculoskeletal system, you carefully inspect your patient, examining the symmetry of the joints, muscles, and bones and checking for swelling, redness, and ease of movement. Then you palpate over the joints, noting any areas of warmth or tenderness.
How do you examine the musculoskeletal system?
The primary methods used for physical examination of musculoskeletal system are inspection and palpation . Percussion and auscultation are only used in special situations such as percussion pain of vertebrae, auscultation for bone crepitus.
When is a musculoskeletal assessment performed?
If the patient presents complaints in the musculoskeletal system or if any abnormality has been observed , it is important to do a thorough musculoskeletal examination, not only to delineate the extent of gross abnormalities but also to look closely for subtle anomalies.
What are some questions to ask during a musculoskeletal assessment?
- Date of onset and type of onset (suddenly or slowly).
- Location of pain: (joints, muscles, soft tissues)
- Presence of swelling* (before and now)
- Subsequent course (progressive, intermittent or remittent).
- Present status (better, same or worse).
- Impact on their lives.
What are the major steps of a musculoskeletal examination?
- Inspect the patient from the front.
- Observe the patient from behind.
- Observe spinal movement.
- CONTINUED. Observe spinal movement.
- Observe patient walking.
- Inspect the dorsum of the hands and test finger. extension.
- Assess MCP joint flexion.
- Inspect the palm.
What is the purpose of a musculoskeletal assessment?
The musculoskeletal exam helps to identify the functional anatomy associated with clinical conditions , thereby differentiating the underlying system involved and could correctly point towards the condition helping in early diagnosis and intervention.
What are the common signs and symptoms associated with musculoskeletal system disorders?
- Aching and stiffness.
- Burning sensations in the muscles.
- Fatigue.
- Muscle twitches.
- Pain that worsens with movement.
- Sleep disturbances.
What are the most common tests used to diagnose musculoskeletal system disorders?
- CT Scan. Doctors often use a computed tomography scan, aka a CT scan or CAT scan, to diagnose problems with the bones or muscles. ...
- DEXA Scan. A DEXA scan measures the density and mass of structures inside the body. ...
- X-Ray. ...
- MRI. ...
- Arthrogram. ...
- Ultrasound.
What are the test to assess musculoskeletal abnormalities?
MRI Scan . This test uses strong magnetic waves to take pictures of structures inside the body. An MRI can show disc herniations, disc degeneration, spinal cord or spinal nerve root compression, tumors, or infections in the spine. Patients who have had previous back surgery will need a contrast, Gadolinium, injected.
Where is musculoskeletal pain?
Musculoskeletal pain refers to pain in the muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves . You can feel this pain in just one area of the body, such as your back. You can also have it throughout your body if you have a widespread condition like fibromyalgia.
How do you do a focused musculoskeletal assessment?
A focused musculoskeletal assessment includes collecting subjective data about the patient’s mobility and exercise level , collecting the patient’s and the patient’s family’s history of musculoskeletal conditions, and asking the patient about any signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal injury or conditions.
What is a genitourinary assessment?
The nursing assessment of the genitourinary system generally focuses on bladder function . Ask about urinary symptoms, including dysuria , urinary frequency , or urinary urgency . Dysuria is any discomfort associated with urination and often signifies a urinary tract infection.
How does a nurse assess the musculoskeletal system?
An assessment of the musculoskeletal system will include an inspection from all sides of the area being assessed , evaluating for deformities, side to side differences in symmetrical comparison, limitations in motion, and skin changes including rashes, erythema, edema, and ecchymosis.
What are the functions of the musculoskeletal system?
Your musculoskeletal system includes bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and soft tissues. They work together to support your body’s weight and help you move . Injuries, disease and aging can cause pain, stiffness and other problems with movement and function.
What are the most common diseases in the musculoskeletal system?
- tendinitis.
- carpal tunnel syndrome.
- osteoarthritis.
- rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- fibromyalgia.
- bone fractures.
