Nokea
A patient is suspected of having rheumatoid arthritis and her diagnostic regimen includes aspiration of synovial fluid from the knee for a definitive diagnosis. The nurse knows that which of the following procedures will be involved?
- A. Angiography
- B. Myelography
- C. Paracentesis
- D. Arthrocentesis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Arthrocentesis involves needle aspiration of synovial fluid. Angiography is an x-ray study of circulation with a contrast agent injected into a selected artery. Myelography is an x-ray of the spinal subarachnoid space taken after the injection of a contrast agent into the spinal subarachnoid space through a lumbar puncture. Paracentesis is removal of fluid (ascites) from the peritoneal cavity through a small surgical incision or puncture made through the abdominal wall under sterile conditions.
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A patient has been admitted to a medical unit with a diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). The nurse should be aware of what aspects of PMR? Select all that apply.
- A. PMR has an association with the genetic marker HLA-DR4.
- B. Immunoglobulin deposits occur in PMR.
- C. PMR is considered to be a wear-and-tear disease.
- D. Foods high in purines exacerbate the biochemical processes that occur in PMR.
- E. PMR occurs predominately in Caucasians.
Correct Answer: A,B,E
Rationale: The underlying mechanism involved with polymyalgia rheumatica is unknown. This disease occurs predominately in Caucasians and often in first-degree relatives. An association with the genetic marker HLA-DR4 suggests a familial predisposition. Immunoglobulin deposits in the walls of inflamed temporal arteries also suggest an autoimmune process. Purines are unrelated and it is not a result of physical degeneration.
A 21-year-old male has just been diagnosed with a spondyloarthropathy. What will be a priority nursing intervention for this patient?
- A. Referral for assistive devices
- B. Teaching about symptom management
- C. Referral to classes to stop smoking
- D. Setting up an exercise program
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Major nursing interventions in the spondyloarthropathies are related to symptom management and maintenance of optimal functioning. This is a priority over the use of assistive devices, smoking cessation, and exercise programs, though these topics may be of importance for some patients.
A nurse is assessing a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. The patient expresses his intent to pursue complementary and alternative therapies. What fact should underlie the nurses response to the patient?
- A. New evidence shows CAM to be as effective as medical treatment.
- B. CAM therapies negate many of the benefits of medications.
- C. CAM therapies typically do more harm than good.
- D. Evidence shows minimal benefits from most CAM therapies.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A recent systematic review of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) examined the efficacy of herbal medicine, acupuncture, Tai chi and biofeedback for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Although acupuncture treatment for pain management showed some promise, in all modalities the evidence was ambiguous. There is not enough evidence of the effectiveness of CAM and more rigorous research is needed.
A patient is undergoing diagnostic testing to determine the etiology of recent joint pain. The patient asks the nurse about the difference between osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). What is the best response by the nurse?
- A. OA is a considered a noninflammatory joint disease. RA is characterized by inflamed, swollen joints.
- B. OA and RA are very similar. OA affects the smaller joints such as the fingers, and RA affects the larger, weight-bearing joints like the knees.
- C. OA originates with an infection. RA is a result of your bodys cells attacking one another.
- D. OA is associated with impaired immune function; RA is a consequence of physical damage.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: OA is a degenerative arthritis with a noninflammatory etiology, characterized by the loss of cartilage on the articular surfaces of weight-bearing joints, with spur development. RA is characterized by inflammation of synovial membranes and surrounding structures. The diseases are not distinguished by the joints affected and neither has an infectious etiology.
A nurses plan of care for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis includes several exercise-based interventions. Exercises for patients with rheumatoid disorders should have which of the following goals?
- A. Maximize range of motion while minimizing exertion
- B. Increase joint size and strength
- C. Limit energy output in order to preserve strength for healing
- D. Preserve and increase range of motion while limiting joint stress
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Exercise is vital to the management of rheumatic disorders. Goals should be preserving and promoting mobility and joint function while limiting stress on the joint and possible damage. Cardiovascular exertion should remain within age-based limits and individual ability, but it is not a goal to minimize exertion. Increasing joint size is not a valid goal.