Banks
• Each disc has a soft center (nucleus) surrounded by tough, fibrous outer
rings. Healthy discs are elastic and springy, absorbing pressure which allows
the vertebrae to move
• The nucleus of the disc protrudes into the annulus (which is the fibrous ring
around the disc.) resulting in subsequent nerve compression
• Healthy spine protects spinal cord and supports the body while allowing it to
bend, sit, twist, turn, and lift freely and comfortably.
Causes
• Injury
Clinical manifestation
• Pain at the site of the injury and then radiating pain (to the shoulder, arms,
lower extremities)
• Stiffness
• Tingling
• Numbness
o Cervical
o Thoracic (not as common)
o Lumbar
Diagnostic Evaluation
• Neurological exam
• MRI
• EMG
Management
• Goal
o Bedrest
Surgical Procedures
Cervical Disectomy
• Post-op
o Vital signs
o Check dressing for drainage and bleeding (usually have a Jackson Pratt
drain)
o Incision is usually anterior on the side of the neck/ monitor for pain
• Complications
o Bleeding
o Infection
Lumbar Laminectomy
• Post-op
o Look at dressing
o Urine output
• Complications
o Infection
o Bleeding
o Urinary retention
Diffuse Connective Tissue Diseases
Diagnostic Studies
• C3 C4 complement components
• Arthrocentesis (pulling fluid of the joints, to see if it’s clear like it should be)
• Radiography
• Pain control
• Knowledge of disease
Management
• Pharmacological therapy
• Non-pharmacological therapy
Pharmacological therapy
• Salicyates
o To include immunosuppressives
• Immunomodulators
• Corticosteroids
• Topical Analgesics
Nursing Diagnosis
• Fatigue
• Self-care deficits
• Ineffective coping
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scleroderma
Polymyalgia Rheumatica