Nokea
Allopurinol (Zyloprim) has been ordered for a patient receiving treatment for gout. The nurse caring for this patient knows to assess the patient for bone marrow suppression, which may be manifested by which of the following diagnostic findings?
- A. Hyperuricemia
- B. Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- C. Elevated serum creatinine
- D. Decreased platelets
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Thrombocytopenia occurs in bone marrow suppression. Hyperuricemia occurs in gout, but is not caused by bone marrow suppression. Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate may occur from inflammation associated with gout, but is not related to bone marrow suppression. An elevated serum creatinine level may indicate renal damage, but this is not associated with the use of allopurinol.
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A nurse is performing the initial assessment of a patient who has a recent diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). What skin manifestation would the nurse expect to observe on inspection?
- A. Petechiae
- B. Butterfly rash
- C. Jaundice
- D. Skin sloughing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An acute cutaneous lesion consisting of a butterfly-shaped rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks occurs in SLE. Petechiae are pinpoint skin hemorrhages, which are not a clinical manifestation of SLE. Patients with SLE do not typically experience jaundice or skin sloughing.
A patient with rheumatic disease is complaining of stomatitis. The nurse caring for the patient should further assess the patient for the adverse effects of what medications?
- A. Corticosteroids
- B. Gold-containing compounds
- C. Antimalarials
- D. Salicylate therapy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stomatitis is an adverse effect that is associated with gold therapy. Steroids, antimalarials, and salicylates do not normally have this adverse effect.
A community health nurse is performing a visit to the home of a patient who has a history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). On what aspect of the patients health should the nurse focus most closely during the visit?
- A. The patients understanding of rheumatoid arthritis
- B. The patients risk for cardiopulmonary complications
- C. The patients social support system
- D. The patients functional status
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patients functional status is a central focus of home assessment of the patient with RA. The nurse may also address the patients understanding of the disease, complications, and social support, but the patients level of function and quality of life is a primary concern.
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 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.