The 26-year-old female client is complaining of a low-grade fever, arthralgias, fatigue, and a facial rash. Which laboratory tests should the nurse expect the HCP to order if SLE is suspected?
- A. Complete metabolic panel and liver function tests.
- B. Complete blood count and antinuclear antibody tests.
- C. Cholesterol and lipid profile tests.
- D. Blood urea nitrogen and glomerular filtration tests.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CBC and ANA tests detect anemia, leukopenia, and autoantibodies, supporting SLE diagnosis. Metabolic, lipid, and renal tests are less specific initially.
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The nurse is caring for clients on a medical floor. Which client should the nurse assess first?
- A. The client diagnosed with RA complaining of pain at a '3' on a 1-to-10 scale.
- B. The client diagnosed with SLE who has a rash across the bridge of the nose.
- C. The client diagnosed with advanced RA who is receiving antineoplastic drugs IV.
- D. The client diagnosed with scleroderma who has hard, waxlike skin near the eyes.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Antineoplastic drugs (e.g., methotrexate) pose risks like toxicity, requiring immediate assessment. Mild pain, rashes, and scleroderma are less acute.
The client diagnosed with an acute exacerbation of SLE is prescribed high-dose steroids. Which statement best explains the scientific rationale for using high-dose steroids in treating SLE?
- A. The steroids will increase the body's ability to fight the infection.
- B. The steroids will decrease the chance of the SLE spreading to other organs.
- C. The steroids will suppress tissue inflammation, which reduces damage to organs.
- D. The steroids will prevent scarring of skin tissues associated with SLE.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Steroids suppress inflammation in SLE, reducing organ damage. They do not fight infection, prevent disease spread, or address skin scarring primarily.
Which discharge instruction should the nurse implement for the client newly diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG)?
- A. Identify specific measures to help avoid fatigue and undue stress.
- B. Instruct the client to pad bony prominences, especially the sacral area.
- C. Discuss complementary therapies to help manage pain.
- D. Explain the possibility of having a splenectomy to help control the symptoms.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Avoiding fatigue and stress prevents myasthenia gravis exacerbations. Padding, pain therapies, and splenectomy are irrelevant.
The client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis is scheduled for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the head. Which information should the nurse teach the client about the test?
- A. The client will have wires attached to the scalp and lights will flash off and on.
- B. The machine will be loud and the client must not move the head during the test.
- C. The client will drink a contrast medium 30 minutes to one (1) hour before the test.
- D. The test will be repeated at intervals during a five (5)- to six (6)-hour period.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: MRI machines are loud, and head immobility is critical for clear images. Wires/lights describe EEG, oral contrast is not used for brain MRI, and the test is not repeated over hours.
The nurse is assessing a 48-year-old client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Which clinical manifestation warrants immediate intervention?
- A. The client has scanning speech and diplopia.
- B. The client has dysarthria and scotomas.
- C. The client has muscle weakness and spasticity.
- D. The client has a congested cough and dysphagia.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Congested cough and dysphagia indicate potential airway and swallowing issues, requiring immediate intervention to prevent aspiration or respiratory distress. Neurological symptoms like speech issues, diplopia, scotomas, weakness, and spasticity are expected in MS but less acute.