Reference no: EM133746961
Question: A 52-year-old male presents to the emergency room with complaints of pain to his left great toe since yesterday. He reports that the pain is a 10/10 and that he can't handle a sheet touching his foot. He denies any injury to the foot. The patient reports that he attended a company party for the holidays and his symptoms started after that event. The patient has a history of hypertension and high cholesterol. He is currently taking HCTZ 12.5 mg po daily and Simvastatin 20mg po daily. The patient's vital signs: His BP is 128/84, pulse is 70, resp 18, regular and non-labored, pulse ox 98%, and temp 100.1F. Physical exam reveals the first metatarsal phalangeal joint is erythematous and edematous. Exam is otherwise unremarkable. Diagnostic testing: Uric acid: 10 mg/dl; ESR 32mm/hr. Xray Left great toe: Normal joint space, no erosion.
An understanding of the musculoskeletal systems is a critically important component of disease and disorder diagnosis and treatment. This importance is magnified by the impact that that this system may have on another. A variety of factors and circumstances affecting the emergence and severity of issues in one system can also have a role in the performance of the other.
Effective analysis often requires an understanding that goes beyond these systems and their mutual impact. For example, patient characteristics such as, racial and ethnic variables can play a role.
An understanding of the symptoms of alterations in musculoskeletal systems is a critical step in diagnosis and treatment. For APRNs this understanding can also help educate patients and guide them through their treatment plans.
In this Assignment, you examine a case study and analyze the symptoms presented. You identify the elements that may be factors in the diagnosis, and you explain the implications to patient health.