Nokea
During a routine check-up, the nurse evaluates a client with rheumatoid arthritis. To assess for the most obvious disease manifestations first, the nurse checks for:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Joint abnormalities. In rheumatoid arthritis, joint abnormalities such as swelling, warmth, and tenderness are the hallmark manifestations. Assessing joint abnormalities first is crucial as they are the primary clinical signs of the disease. Muscle weakness (A) is a common symptom but typically occurs later due to joint inflammation and disuse. Painful subcutaneous nodules (B) are present in some cases but are not as common or prominent as joint abnormalities. Gait disturbances (D) may occur as a result of joint damage, but they are secondary to the primary manifestation of joint abnormalities. By prioritizing the assessment of joint abnormalities, the nurse can promptly identify and address the most prevalent disease manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis.