A nurse is providing education to a group of patients at risk of Osteomyelitis.
Select all risk factors for Osteomyelitis from the following options:

Choice A rationale:

Administering prescribed antibiotics and monitoring for adverse reactions is the most appropriate nursing intervention in this situation.

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, often caused by bacteria.

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for bacterial infections like osteomyelitis.

Administering antibiotics as ordered helps target and eradicate the infection.

Monitoring for adverse reactions is crucial because antibiotics can have side effects such as allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upset, or renal toxicity.

By closely observing the patient for any adverse effects, the nurse can promptly intervene and ensure the patient's safety.

Choice B rationale:

Assisting with wound care and dressing changes to maintain a clean and sterile environment is an essential aspect of managing osteomyelitis, but it is not the first-line nursing intervention in this scenario.

The primary treatment for osteomyelitis is antibiotics, and addressing the infection systemically takes precedence over local wound care.

However, wound care is important in the overall management of the condition and should be done in conjunction with antibiotic therapy.

Choice C rationale:

Collaborating with the healthcare team to ensure adequate pain management is important for the patient's comfort and well-being, but it is not the initial nursing intervention.

Pain management can be addressed after initiating antibiotic therapy and assessing the patient's response to treatment.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging mobility and range of motion exercises to prevent joint stiffness and muscle atrophy is a valuable nursing intervention for patients with osteomyelitis, especially as they recover.

However, it is not the immediate priority in this situation.

First, the infection needs to be controlled with antibiotics before focusing on mobility and range of motion exercises.

Choice A rationale:

Staphylococcus aureus is the primary bacteria associated with Osteomyelitis.

This bacterium is known for its ability to infect bones, particularly in cases of hematogenous spread or direct contamination of bone tissue.

Choice B rationale:

Fungal infections (choice B) are not the most common cause of Osteomyelitis.

While fungal osteomyelitis can occur, it is much less common than bacterial Osteomyelitis.

Choice C rationale:

Osteomyelitis is not mainly caused by viral pathogens (choice C).

Viruses are not a typical cause of Osteomyelitis.

It is primarily a bacterial infection.

Choice D rationale:

Osteomyelitis is typically caused by specific bacteria, and there is a specific pathogen linked to it.

Therefore, choice D, which suggests there is no specific pathogen linked to Osteomyelitis, is incorrect.