Nokea
A nurse is caring for a patient with Paget's disease and is reviewing the patient's most recent laboratory values. Which of the following values is most characteristic of Paget's disease?
- A. An elevated level of parathyroid hormone and low calcitonin levels
- B. A low serum alkaline phosphatase level and a low serum calcium level
- C. An elevated serum alkaline phosphatase level and a normal serum calcium level
- D. An elevated calcitonin level and low levels of parathyroid hormone
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Patients with Paget's disease have normal blood calcium levels. Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase concentration and urinary hydroxyproline excretion reflect the increased osteoblastic activity associated with this condition.
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A patient has been admitted to the hospital with a spontaneous vertebral fracture related to osteoporosis. Which of the following nursing diagnoses must be addressed in the plan of care?
- A. Risk for Aspiration Related to Vertebral Fracture
- B. Constipation Related to Vertebral Fracture
- C. Impaired Swallowing Related to Vertebral Fracture
- D. Decreased Cardiac Output Related to Vertebral Fracture
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Constipation is a problem related to immobility and medications used to treat vertebral fractures. The patient's risks of aspiration, dysphagia, and decreased cardiac output are not necessarily heightened.
A nurse is caring for a patient with a bone tumor. The nurse is providing education to help the patient reduce the risk for pathologic fractures. What should the nurse teach the patient?
- A. Strive to achieve maximum weight-bearing capabilities.
- B. Gradually strengthen the affected muscles through weight training.
- C. Support the affected extremity with external supports such as splints.
- D. Limit reliance on assistive devices in order to build strength.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During nursing care, the affected extremities must be supported and handled gently. External supports (splints) may be used for additional protection. Prescribed weight-bearing restrictions must be followed. Assistive devices should be used to strengthen the unaffected extremities.
A patient's electronic health record notes that the patient has hallux valgus. What signs and symptoms would the nurse expect this patient to manifest?
- A. Deviation of a great toe laterally
- B. Abnormal flexion of the great toe
- C. An exaggerated arch of the foot
- D. Fusion of the toe joints
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A deformity in which the great toe deviates laterally and there is a marked prominence of the medial aspect of the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint and exostosis is referred to as hallux valgus (bunion). Hallux valgus does not result in abnormal flexion, abnormalities of the arch, or joint fusion.
A patient presents at a clinic complaining of back pain that goes all the way down the back of the leg to the foot. The nurse should document the presence of what type of pain?
- A. Bursitis
- B. Radiculopathy
- C. Sciatica
- D. Tendonitis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sciatica nerve pain travels down the back of the thigh to the foot of the affected leg. Bursitis is inflammation of a fluid-filled sac in a joint. Radiculopathy is disease of a nerve root. Tendonitis is inflammation of muscle tendons.
A patient has been admitted to the medical unit for the treatment of Paget's disease. When reviewing the medication administration record, the nurse should anticipate what medications?
- A. Calcitonin
- B. Bisphosphonates
- C. Alkaline phosphatase
- D. Calcium gluconate
- E. Estrogen
Correct Answer: A,B
Rationale: Bisphosphonates are the cornerstone of Paget therapy in that they stabilize the rapid bone turnover. Calcitonin is also used because it retards bone resorption by decreasing the number and availability of osteoclasts. Alkaline phosphatase is a naturally occurring enzyme, not a drug. Calcium gluconate and estrogen are not used in the treatment of Paget's disease.