Musculoskeletal System Overview for Nursing Assistants

1. Unit 41 Musculoskeletal System

2. Objectives • Spell and define terms. • Describe the location and functions of the musculoskeletal system. • Describe some common conditions of the musculoskeletal system.

3. Objectives • Describe the nursing assistant actions related to the care of patients with conditions and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. • List seven specific diagnostic tests for musculoskeletal conditions.

4. The Musculoskeletal System • Skeleton • Bony frame of the body • Muscles • Tissues made up of contractile fibers or cells that produce movement • Together, the skeleton and muscles are termed the musculoskeletal system

5. Structure and Function • Review the parts of the human skeleton

6. Structure and Function • Review the major muscles of the body

7. Common Conditions • Many conditions can affect the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints • Often, when one of these structures is diseased or injured: • Surrounding tissues are also involved

8. Range of Motion • Patients who have been ill or confined to bed are not as active as usual • Their joints may not move through the normal range of motion daily • Atrophy • Weakness and muscle wasting from lack of use

9. Range of Motion • Over time • Muscles become rigid • Joints do not move as freely as they once did • Joint movement may be painful because the muscles have shortened from lack of use

10. Range of Motion • When the joint moves • Muscles stretch • This causes discomfort or pain • As a result the patient may move even less