Nokea
The nurse is caring for a client with an autoimmune disease. What is a characteristic of autoimmune disorders?
- A. Progressive tissue damage without any verifiable etiology
- B. Absence of a triggering event
- C. Profound fatigue with no identifiable cause
- D. Affects only older adults and infants less than 3 months
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diseases are considered autoimmune disorders and are characterized by unrelenting, progressive tissue damage without any verifiable etiology. In many autoimmune disorders, there tends to be a triggering event, such as an infection, trauma, or introduction of a drug that integrates itself into the membranes of the host's cells. Although older adults face a greater risk of developing autoimmune disorders, persons belonging to any age-group can be affected. Chronic fatigue syndrome is primarily characterized by profound fatigue with no identifiable cause, and this is not a characteristic of autoimmune disorders.
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A client presents to the clinic with reports of itching and hives after taking an aspirin this morning. What medication does the nurse anticipate administering that blocks histamine receptors?
- A. Diphenhydramine
- B. Flunisolide
- C. Beclomethasone dipropionate
- D. Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used for allergic reactions. Flunisolide is a nasal decongestant agent and is used locally to the nasal mucosa. Beclomethasone dipropionate is a nasal steroid spray and inhalant. Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride only constricts nasal membranes.
A client is taking oral corticosteroids after having an exacerbation of asthma. What should the nurse be sure to include when instructing the client how to take the medication?
- A. The medication will cause weight loss.
- B. The medication will cause drowsiness so do not drive.
- C. Take the medication on an empty stomach to increase absorption.
- D. Take the medication in the morning with food.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Taking the oral corticosteroids in the morning with food will help reduce the gastrointestinal upset that may be experienced. The medication causes weight gain not weight loss, does not cause drowsiness, and should not be taken on an empty stomach.
The nurse is instructing a client with chronic fatigue syndrome about what type of dietary sources are the best to eat to supply eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). What statement by the client demonstrates the instruction is understood?
- A. I will eat shrimp at least twice a week.'
- B. I love crab cakes and will be sure to make them once a week.'
- C. Fresh salmon is one of my favorites, and I will eat it twice a week.'
- D. Lobster is expensive, but I will eat it once a week.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fish oils provide the only dietary source of EPA. Fatty fish, such as mackerel, sardines, herring, salmon, and tuna, are the best sources. Shellfish, such as shrimp, crab, and lobsters do not offer the dietary source of EPA that is required.
A client with lupus has had antineoplastic drugs prescribed. Why would the physician prescribe antineoplastic drugs for an autoimmune disorder?
- A. To decrease the body's risk of infection
- B. Because an autoimmune disease is a neoplastic disease.
- C. So the client has strong drug therapy
- D. For their immunosuppressant effects
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Drug therapy using anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents is the mainstay for alleviating symptoms. Some antineoplastic (cancer) drugs also are used for their immunosuppressant effects. Antineoplastic drugs do not decrease the body's risk of infection; an autoimmune disease is not a neoplastic disease. Drugs are not prescribed just so the client has strong drug therapy.
A client comes to the clinic and reports having had a mild case of the flu a couple of months ago and not having felt well since. The client expresses feeling fatigued that gets worse after any physical activity and having a recurrent sore throat and joint pain. What does the nurse recognize these symptoms may indicate?
- A. Chronic fatigue syndrome
- B. Rheumatoid arthritis
- C. Ulcerative colitis
- D. Recurrent flu
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Many clients with CFS report having had a recent illness with flulike symptoms or an upper respiratory infection. Despite having been uncomfortable, most clients do not describe their initial symptoms as being extraordinarily severe. Severe, ongoing fatigue lasts for at least 6 months without any explanation. Even though the fatigue is constant, it worsens after physical activity. The fatigue is so debilitating that it usually interferes with a person's ability to work in or outside the home. Rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis are autoimmune disorders with symptoms that are more specific than CFS and can be diagnosed with diagnostic testing and laboratory studies. The symptoms that the client is having are not characteristic of the flu.