As homeowners know all too well, there is a continuous need for maintenance and repair. Some efforts are precautionary in nature, while others are the result of issues that surface over time.
Similarly, musculoskeletal disorders can develop over time. For some disorders, such as osteoporosis, precautionary treatments are a potential option. But much like issues that surface in a home over time, many musculoskeletal issues can be very serious concerns, and they can have a significant impact on patients’ lives. In a similar manner, musculoskeletal diseases can manifest themselves over the course of one’s lifetime. There are certain conditions, such as osteoporosis, for which preventative therapy may be a viable choice. However, similar to problems that might develop in a house over time, many musculoskeletal difficulties can be very serious concerns, and they can have a big influence on patients’ lives. This is because musculoskeletal problems affect the body’s skeletal and muscular systems.
This week, you continue to examine fundamental concepts of neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. You explore common disorders that impact these systems and you apply the key terms and concepts that help communicate the pathophysiological nature of these issues to patients.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
-Analyze processes related to neurological and musculoskeletal disorders
-Identify racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning
– Evaluate the impact of patient characteristics on disorders and altered physiology
Assignment: Module 5 Case Study Analysis due by day 7
Scenario: A 58-year-old obese white male presents to ED with chief complaint of fever, chills, pain, and swelling in the right great toe. He states the symptoms came on very suddenly and he cannot put any weight on his foot. Physical exam reveals exquisite pain on any attempt to assess the right first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Past medical history positive for hypertension and Type II diabetes mellitus. Current medications include hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg po q am, and metformin 500 mg po bid. CBC normal except for elevated sedimentation rate (ESR) of 33 mm/hr and C-reactive protein (CRP) 24 mg/L. Metabolic panel normal. Uric acid level 6.7 mg/dl.
In your Case Study Analysis related to the scenario provided, explain the following:
Both the neurological and musculoskeletal pathophysiologic processes that would account for the patient presenting these symptoms.
Any racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning.
How these processes interact to affect the patient.

Published by
Essays
View all posts