The nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with RA. Which assessment findings warrant immediate intervention?
- A. The client complains of joint stiffness and the knees feel warm to the touch.
- B. The client has experienced one (1)-kg weight loss and is very tired.
- C. The client requires a heating pad applied to the hips and back to sleep.
- D. The client is crying, has a flat facial affect, and refuses to speak to the nurse.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Crying, flat affect, and refusal to speak suggest depression or suicidal ideation, requiring immediate intervention. Stiffness, weight loss, and heating pad use are expected in RA.
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Which statement by the female client diagnosed with myasthenia gravis indicates the client needs more discharge teaching?
- A. I will not have any menstrual cycles because of this disease.
- B. I should avoid people who have respiratory infections.
- C. I should not take a hot bath or swim in cold water.
- D. I will drink at least 2,500 mL of water a day.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Myasthenia gravis does not affect menstrual cycles, indicating a need for teaching. Avoiding infections, temperature extremes, and hydration are correct.
The client with myasthenia gravis is prescribed the cholinesterase inhibitor neostigmine (Prostigmin). Which data indicate the medication is effective?
- A. The client is able to feed self independently.
- B. The client is able to blink the eyes without tearing.
- C. The client denies any nausea or vomiting when eating.
- D. The client denies any pain when performing ROM exercises.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Independent feeding indicates improved muscle strength, the goal of neostigmine. Blinking, nausea, and pain are less directly related.
Which sign/symptom makes the nurse suspect the client has ankylosing spondylitis?
- A. Low back pain at night relieved by activity in the morning.
- B. Ascending paralysis of the lower extremities up to the spinal cord.
- C. A deep ache and stiffness in the hip joints radiating down the legs.
- D. Difficulty changing from lying to sitting position, especially at night.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nighttime low back pain relieved by morning activity is classic for ankylosing spondylitis. Paralysis, hip pain, and positional difficulty suggest other conditions.
The nurse is developing a care plan for a client diagnosed with SLE. Which goal is priority for this client?
- A. The client will maintain reproductive ability.
- B. The client will verbalize feelings of body-image changes.
- C. The client will have no deterioration of organ function.
- D. The client’s skin will remain intact and have no irritation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Preventing organ deterioration is critical in SLE to avoid life-threatening complications. Reproduction, body image, and skin integrity are secondary.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with Systemic Inflammatory Response syndrome after an extensive abdominal surgery. Which nursing interventions could prevent the development of Multi Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS)?
- A. Place the client on strict intake and output.
- B. Administer pain medication via patient-controlled analgesia.
- C. Keep the head of the bed elevated at all times.
- D. Practice therapeutic communication.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Strict intake and output monitoring detects early renal dysfunction, preventing MODS progression. Pain control, head elevation, and communication are less specific.