Spondylitis is the name of a disease that affects the

RRB Staff Nurse Jaipur-6th June 2018

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Jaipur-6th June 2018

Explanation

Spondylitis is a form of arthritis characterized by inflammation of the spinal column.
The term itself provides a clue: 'spondylo' refers to the vertebrae or spine, and '-itis' denotes inflammation.
The most well-known type is Ankylosing Spondylitis, a chronic condition that can lead to the fusion of spinal vertebrae, causing stiffness and loss of mobility.
This inflammation typically begins in the sacroiliac joints and can progress up the spine.

Option B: Diseases affecting brain cells are neurological, not rheumatological. Examples include encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Option C: Diseases of the kidney are termed nephritis (inflammation) or nephropathy. While some systemic inflammatory diseases can have secondary effects on the kidneys, spondylitis primarily and directly targets the spine.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a correct answer is provided. Spondylitis has a specific definition that directly corresponds to the spinal column.

Visual 1: Diagram comparing a healthy spine with a spine affected by ankylosing spondylitis, showing inflammation and fusion of vertebrae ('bamboo spine').
Visual 2: Illustration of the human spinal column, highlighting the vertebrae and sacroiliac joints, which are the primary sites of inflammation in spondylitis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Medical terminology and the location of Spondylitis helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses should assess for key symptoms of spondylitis, such as chronic inflammatory back pain, morning stiffness that improves with activity, and fatigue, to aid in early diagnosis and management.
Patient education is a crucial nursing role, focusing on exercises to maintain spinal flexibility, proper posture, and pain management strategies.
What if? If a patient with spondylitis is on a biologic medication (like a TNF inhibitor), the nurse must be vigilant for signs of infection, as these drugs suppress the immune system. A low-grade fever, which might be dismissed in other patients, could be a significant finding requiring immediate attention.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the medical term 'Spondylitis'.
Break down the word into its roots: 'spondylo-' is a prefix that refers to the spine or vertebrae.
The suffix '-itis' universally means inflammation in medical terminology.
Combine the roots to understand the definition: Spondylitis means inflammation of the spine.
Scan the options to find the one that matches this definition.
Option A, 'Spinal column', is a direct match. Options B and C relate to different organ systems, and Option D is incorrect as a valid choice exists.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QmALLQ6NwD7vVRww4DEFX4