NURS Week 8: Assessment of the Musculoskeletal System

NURS 6512 Week 8: Assessment of the Musculoskeletal System soap notes, focused soap notes, decision trees

NURS 6512 Week 8: Assessment of the Musculoskeletal System

A 46-year-old man walks into a doctor’s office complaining of tripping over doorways more frequently. He does not know why. What could be the causes of this condition?

Without the ability to use the complex structure and range of movement afforded by the musculoskeletal system, many of the physical activities individuals enjoy would be curtailed. Maintaining the health of the musculoskeletal system will ensure that patients live a life of full mobility. One of the most basic steps that can be taken to preserve the health of the musculoskeletal system is to perform an assessment.

This week, you will explore how to assess the musculoskeletal system.

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Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Evaluate abnormal musculoskeletal findings
• Apply concepts, theories, and principles relating to health assessment techniques and diagnoses for the musculoskeletal system

Photo Credit: SCIEPRO/Science Photo Library/Getty Images

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Learning Resources-Week 8: Assessment of the Musculoskeletal System

Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.

Required Readings

Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2015). Seidel’s guide to physical examination (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.

• • Review of Chapter 4, “Vital Signs and Pain Assessment” (pp. 50-63)

• Chapter 21, “Musculoskeletal System” (pp. 501-543)This chapter describes the process of assessing the musculoskeletal system. In addition, the authors explore the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system.

Dains, J. E., Baumann, L. C., & Scheibel, P. (2016). Advanced health assessment and clinical diagnosis in primary care (5th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.

• • Chapter 22, “Limb Pain” (pp. 356-374)This chapter outlines how to take a focused history and perform a physical exam to determine the cause of limb pain. It includes a discussion of the most common tests used to assess musculoskeletal disorders.

• Chapter 24, “Low Back Pain (Acute)” (pp. 288-300)The focus of this chapter is the identification of the causes of lower back pain. It includes suggested physical exams and potential diagnoses.

Sullivan, D. D. (2019). Guide to clinical documentation (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis.

• • Chapter 2, “The Comprehensive History and Physical Exam” (“Muscle Strength Grading”; p. 29)

• Chapter 4, “Pediatric Preventative Care Visits” (“Documentation of Important Components of Age Specific Physical Exams and Sports Pediatric Sports Participation Physical Exam”; pp. 106-107)

Note: Download this Adult Examination Checklist and Physical Exam Summary: Abdomen to use during your practice musculoskeletal examination.

Seidel, H. M., Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2011). Adult examination checklist: Guide for musculoskeletal assessment. In Mosby’s guide to physical examination (7th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby. This Adult Examination Checklist: Guide for Musculoskeletal Assessment was published as a companion to Seidel’s guide to physical examination (8th ed.), by Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., & Flynn, J. A. Copyright Elsevier (2015). Exam summary: Musculoskeletal system. In Mosby’s guide to physical examination (7th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby. This Musculoskeletal System Physical Exam Summary was published as a companion to Seidel’s guide to physical examination (8th ed.), by Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., & Flynn, J. A. Copyright Elsevier (2015).

Katz, J. N., Lyons, N., Wolff, L. S., Silverman, J., Emrani, P., Holt, H. L., & …Losina, E. (2011). Medical decision-making among Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites with chronic back and knee pain: A qualitative study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 12(1), 78–85. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases. This study examines the medical decision making among Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. The authors also analyze the preferred information sources used for making decisions in these populations.

University of Virginia. (n.d.). Introduction to radiology: An online interactive tutorial.  This website provides an introduction to radiology and imaging. For this week, focus on skeletal trauma in musculoskeletal radiology.

Click here to learn more on SOAP NOTES and Decision Trees.  What is a SOAP Note? Elements of a SOAP Note. Soap Note sample.  Learn How to Write A Good SOAP Note.  For all Soap Notes assignments, count on topnursingpapers.com soap note nursing writers.

Smuck, M., Kao, M., Brar, N., Martinez-Ith, A., Choi, J., & Tomkins-Lane, C. C. (2014). Does physical activity influence the relationship between low back pain and obesity? The Spine Journal, 14(2), 209–216. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2013.11.010 Retrieved from the Walden Library Databases.

Shiri, R., Solovieva, S., Husgafvel-Pursiainen, K., Telama, R., Yang, X., Viikari, J., Raitakari, O. T., & Viikari-Juntura, E. (2013). The role of obesity and physical activity in non-specific and radiating low back pain: The Young Finns study. Seminars in Arthritis & Rheumatism, 42(6), 640–650. doi:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2012.09.002. Retrieved from the Walden Library Databases.

Required Media – Week 8: Assessment of the Musculoskeletal System

Online media for Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination

In addition to this week’s resources, it is highly recommended that you access and view the resources included with the course text, Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination. Focus on the videos and animations in Chapter 21 that relate to the assessment of the musculoskeletal system. Refer to the Week 4 Learning Resources area for access instructions on https://evolve.elsevier.com/.

Optional Resources FOR Week 8: Assessment of the Musculoskeletal System

LeBlond, R. F., Brown, D. D., & DeGowin, R. L. (2014). DeGowin’s diagnostic examination (10th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Medical.

• Chapter 13, “The Spine, Pelvis, and Extremities” (pp. 585–682)In this chapter, the authors explain the physiology of the spine, pelvis, and extremities. The chapter also describes how to examine the spine, pelvis, and extremities.

Also Read:

• Nursing Research Methods and Critical Appraisal for Evidence-Based Practice
• NURS-6512N-32, Advanced Health Assessment essay assignment help
• NURS 6512 Assessment of the Musculoskeletal System
• Episodic/Focused SOAP Note – Assessment of the Heart, Lungs, and Peripheral Vascular System
• Assignment: Focused Throat Exam
• PRAC – 6665 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Care Across the Lifespan I Practicum
• NURS 6512 Discussion Assessing Musculoskeletal Pain
• NURS 6512 15 Year Old Male Reports Dull Pain In Both Knees

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NURS 6512 Week 8 Discussion: Assessing Muscoskeletal Pain

The body is constantly sending signals about its health. One of the most easily recognized signals is pain. Musculoskeletal conditions comprise one of the leading causes of severe long-term pain in patients. The musculoskeletal system is an elaborate system of interconnected levers that provide the body with support and mobility. Because of the interconnectedness of the musculoskeletal system, identifying the causes of pain can be challenging. Accurately interpreting the cause of musculoskeletal pain requires an assessment process informed by patient history and physical exams. NURS 6512 Week 8: Assessment of the Musculoskeletal System

In this Discussion, you will consider case studies that describe abnormal findings in patients seen in a clinical setting.

Note: By Day 1 of this week, your Instructor will have assigned you to one of the following specific case studies for this Discussion. Also, your Discussion post should be in the Episodic/Focused SOAP Note format, rather than the traditional narrative style Discussion posting format. Refer to Chapter 2 of the Sullivan text and the Episodic/Focused SOAP Template in the Week 5 Learning Resources for guidance. Remember that all Episodic/Focused SOAP notes have specific data included in every patient case.

Case 1: Back Pain

A 42-year-old male reports pain in his lower back for the past month. The pain sometimes radiates to his left leg. In determining the cause of the back pain, based on your knowledge of anatomy, what nerve roots might be involved? How would you test for each of them? What other symptoms need to be explored? What are your differential diagnoses for acute low back pain? Consider the possible origins using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) guidelines as a framework. What physical examination will you perform? What special maneuvers will you perform?

Case 2: Ankle Pain

A 46-year-old female reports pain in both of her ankles, but she is more concerned about her right ankle. She was playing soccer over the weekend and heard a “pop.” She is able to bear weight, but it is uncomfortable. In determining the cause of the ankle pain, based on your knowledge of anatomy, what foot structures are likely involved? What other symptoms need to be explored? What are your differential diagnoses for ankle pain? What physical examination will you perform? What special maneuvers will you perform? Should you apply the Ottowa ankle rules to determine if you need additional testing?

Case 3: Knee Pain

A 15-year-old male reports dull pain in both knees. Sometimes one or both knees click, and the patient describes a catching sensation under the patella. In determining the causes of the knee pain, what additional history do you need? What categories can you use to differentiate knee pain? What are your specific differential diagnoses for knee pain? What physical examination will you perform? What anatomic structures are you assessing as part of the physical examination? What special maneuvers will you perform?

To prepare: NURS 6512 Week 8: Assessment of the Musculoskeletal System essay assignment

With regard to the case study you were assigned:

• Review this week’s Learning Resources, and consider the insights they provide about the case study.
• Consider what history would be necessary to collect from the patient in the case study you were assigned.
• Consider what physical exams and diagnostic tests would be appropriate to gather more information about the patient’s condition. How would the results be used to make a diagnosis?
• Identify at least five possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient.

Note: Before you submit your initial post, replace the subject line (“Discussion – Week 8”) with “Review of Case Study ___.” Fill in the blank with the number of the case study you were assigned. NURS 6512 Week 8: Assessment of the Musculoskeletal System esay assignment

By Day 3

Post an episodic/focused note about the patient in the case study to which you were assigned using the episodic/focused note template provided in week 5 resources. Provide evidence from the literature to support diagnostic tests that would be appropriate for each case. List five different possible conditions for the patient’s differential diagnosis and justify why you selected each.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the “Post to Discussion Question” link and then select “Create Thread” to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Submit!

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.

By Day 6

Respond to at least two of your colleagues on 2 different days who were assigned different case studies than you. Analyze the possible conditions from your colleagues’ differential diagnoses. Determine which of the conditions you would reject and why. Identify the most likely condition, and justify your reasoning.

Submission and Grading Information

Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:

Week 8 Discussion Rubric

Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 6

To participate in this Discussion:

Week 8 Discussion

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Assignment: Assessing the Skin, Hair, Nails, and HEENT

In preparation for the Head-to-Toe Physical Assessment Video due in Week 10, you will videotape yourself conducting an assessment of the skin, hair, nails, and HEENT this week.

To prepare:

• Arrange an appropriate time and setting with your volunteer “patient” to perform a skin, hair, nails, and HEENT examination.
• Submit your volunteer’s Video Release form prior to the exam.
• Download and review the Skin, Hair, and Nails and HEENT rubric provided in this week’s Learning Resources.
• Ensure that you have the appropriate lighting and equipment to perform the examination.

To complete:

• Record yourself performing the skin, hair, and nails, and HEENT physical examination. Be sure to cover all of the areas listed in the rubric and to use any equipment appropriately. This Assignment is due by Day 7 of Week 8. Submit your video using the Kaltura Mashup tool accessible through the Assignment submission link provided.

To submit your completed Video Assignment(s), do the following:

If you have not already done so, click on the Week 8 Assignment link. Once you have clicked on the link, click on the Write Submission button to turn on the Content Editor toolbar. Next, fill in the Submission field with any pertinent information. Attach your Assignment file by clicking on the Mashup button on the text editor menu bar and select Kaltura Media. Then find the media file you saved as “WK8Assgn+first initial+last name” and click on Open. Add any appropriate comments pertaining to your Assignment(s) in the Comments field. Be sure to attach all your video assignments. Finally, click on the Submit button to turn in your Assignment(s) for review.

For additional details on using the Kaltura Media mashup tool, please refer to the Kaltura Media Uploader page located in the course navigation menu.

By Day 7

This assignment is due.

Submission and Grading Information

Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:

Week 8 Assignment Rubric

Check Your Assignment Draft for Authenticity

To check your Assignment draft for authenticity:

Submit your Week 8 Assignment draft and review the originality report.

Submit Your Assignment by Day 7

To submit your Assignment:

Week 8 Assignment

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Assignment 2 (Optional): Practice Assessment: Musculoskeletal Examination

A description of symptoms alone is not enough to form an accurate diagnosis of musculoskeletal conditions. Before forming a diagnosis, advanced practice nurses need to perform a physical examination. Although the musculoskeletal examination is relatively simple, it still needs to be performed multiple times before it can be mastered.

In preparation for the Head-to-Toe Physical Assessment Video due in Week 10, it is recommended that you practice performing a musculoskeletal examination this week.

Note: This is an optional practice physical assessment. You do not have to capture a video of this assessment, as no submission is required.

To prepare:

• Arrange an appropriate time and setting with your volunteer “patient” to perform a musculoskeletal examination.
• Download and review the Musculoskeletal Checklist provided in this week’s Learning Resources.

To complete:

• Perform the musculoskeletal examination. Be sure to cover all of the areas listed in the checklist.