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A client who has had systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for many years is in the clinic reporting hip pain with ambulation. Which action by the nurse is best?
- A. Assess if the client has been taking steroids
- B. Facilitate a consultation with physical therapy
- C. Measure the range of motion in both hips
- D. Notify the health care provider immediately
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Steroid use is common in clients with SLE and can lead to osteonecrosis (bone necrosis). The nurse should determine if the client has been taking a steroid. Physical therapy may be beneficial, but there is not enough information about the client yet. Measuring range of motion is best done by the physical therapist. Notifying the provider immediately is not warranted.
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A client with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is on the postoperative nursing unit after having elective surgery. The client reports that the arm feels like pins and needles and that the neck is painful since returning from surgery. What action by the nurse is best?
- A. Assist the client to change positions
- B. Encourage range of motion of the neck
- C. Notify the provider immediately
- D. Provide pain medication as ordered
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clients with RA can have cervical joint involvement. This can lead to an emergent situation due to potential spinal cord compression. The nurse should notify the provider immediately to assess for this serious complication.
A client has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The client has experienced increased fatigue and worsening physical status and is finding it difficult to maintain the role of elder in his cultural community. The elder is expected to attend social events and make community decisions. Stress seems to exacerbate the client's condition. What action by the nurse is best?
- A. Assess the client's culture more thoroughly
- B. Assess options for performing duties
- C. Suggest the client attend a community meeting
- D. Suggest the client give up the role of elder
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse needs a more thorough understanding of the client's culture, including the meaning of illness and the ramifications of the elder not being able to perform traditional duties. This must be done prior to offering any possible solutions.
A client with fibromyalgia is in the hospital for an unrelated issue. The client reports that sleep, which is always difficult, is even harder now. What actions by the nurse are most appropriate? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Allow uninterrupted rest time
- B. Adhere to the client's usual bedtime routine
- C. Limit noise and light
- D. Offer a strong sleeping pill
- E. Provide a warm shower
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E
Rationale: Clients with fibromyalgia often have sleep disturbances, which can be exacerbated by the hospital environment. Allowing uninterrupted rest time, adhering to the client's usual bedtime routine, limiting noise and light, and offering a warm shower can help. A strong sleeping pill should be a last resort.
The clinic nurse assesses a client with diabetes during a checkup. The client also has osteoarthritis (OA). The nurse notes the client's blood glucose readings have been elevated. What question by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Are you compliant with following the diabetic diet?
- B. Have you been taking glucosamine supplements?
- C. How much exercise do you really get each week?
- D. You're still taking your diabetic medication, right?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: All of the topics are appropriate for a client whose blood glucose readings have been higher than usual. However, since this client also has OA, and glucosamine can increase blood glucose levels, the nurse should ask about its use. The other questions all have an element of nontherapeutic communication in them.
The nursing student studying rheumatoid arthritis (RA) learns which facts about the disease? (Select all that apply.)
- A. It affects single joints only
- B. Antibodies lead to inflammation
- C. It consists of an autoimmune process
- D. Morning stiffness is common
- E. Permanent damage is inevitable
Correct Answer: B,C
Rationale: RA is a chronic autoimmune systemic inflammatory disorder leading to arthritis-type symptoms in the joints and other symptoms that can be seen outside the joints. Antibodies are created that lead to inflammation. Permanent damage is not inevitable with aggressive, early treatment.