Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bones and is caused due to the S. aureus bacteria breaking into the body's tissues and entering the bloodstream through an open wound. Osteomyelitis may be debilitating, disabling, and devastating, both physically and psychologically.
Osteomyelitis does not occur more commonly in a particular race or gender. However, some people are more at risk for developing the disease, including:
- People with diabetes
- Patients receiving hemodialysis
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with sickle cell disease
- Intravenous drug abusers
- The elderly
Osteomyelitis is often difficult to diagnose and may go undetected for weeks, months, and even years.
A physical exam shows bone tenderness and possibly swelling and redness.
- Tests may include:
- Blood cultures
- Bone biopsy (which is then cultured)
- Bone scan
- Bone x-ray
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- C-reactive protein (CRP)
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- MRI of the bone
- Needle aspiration of the area around affected bones
4 Nursing Diagnosis for Osteomyelitis
1. Acute Pain related to inflammation and swelling.
2. Impaired Physical Mobility related to pain
3. Impaired Skin Integrity related to the effects of surgery; immobilization.
4. Risk for infection related to abscess formation of bone, skin damage.
0 Comments