Nokea
The nurse is caring for a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who has a facial rash and alopecia who tells the nurse, 'I hate the way I look! I never go anywhere except here to the health clinic.' Which of the following is an appropriate nursing diagnosis for the patient?
- A. Activity intolerance related to immobility
- B. Impaired social interaction related to insufficient knowledge about how to enhance mutuality
- C. Impaired skin integrity related to excretions
- D. Social isolation related to difficulty establishing relationships (embarrassment about the effects of SLE)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patient's statement about not going anywhere because they hate the way they look supports the diagnosis of social isolation because of embarrassment about the effects of the SLE. Activity intolerance is a possible problem for patients with SLE, but the information about this patient does not support this as a diagnosis. The rash with SLE is nonpruritic. There is no evidence of lack of social skills for this patient.
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Which of the following findings should the nurse expect when assessing an older-adult patient who has osteoarthritis (OA) of the left knee?
- A. Heberden nodules
- B. Pain upon joint movement
- C. Redness and swelling of the knee joint
- D. Stiffness that increases with movement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Initial symptoms of OA include pain with joint movement. Heberden nodules occur on the fingers. Redness of the joint is more strongly associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and stiffness in OA is worse right after the patient rests and decreases with joint movement.
Which of the following actions should the nurse implement for a patient with septic arthritis?
- A. Hot compress on affected area tid
- B. Active ROM exercises qid
- C. Monitor BP q4h
- D. Passive ROM exercises bid
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Local hot compresses can also help relieve pain associated with septic arthritis. Only gentle ROM exercises are advocated. The temperature should be monitored often but the BP does not need to be assessed q4h.
The nurse is conducting patient teaching with a patient who has systemic lupus erythematosus and is prescribed hydroxychloroquine. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
- A. Has a rapid therapeutic response.
- B. Vision assessment every 6-12 months
- C. Does not prevent flare-ups of symptoms.
- D. Can only be administered intravenously.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fundoscopic and visual field examinations must be performed by an ophthalmologist every 6-12 months when patients are on hydroxychloroquine. Hydroxychloroquine is often used to treat fatigue and moderate skin and joint problems. Unlike the rapid response noted with corticosteroids, effects of antimalarial therapy may not be noticed for several months. Flares may also be prevented with these drugs.
The nurse is reviewing laboratory data for a patient who is taking methotrexate to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following information is most important to communicate to the health care provider?
- A. The blood glucose is 4.2 mmol/L.
- B. The rheumatoid factor is positive.
- C. The white blood cell (WBC) count is 1.5 x 10^9/L.
- D. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is elevated.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bone marrow suppression is a possible adverse effect of methotrexate, and the patient's low WBC count places the patient at high risk for infection. The elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and positive rheumatoid factor are expected in rheumatoid arthritis. The blood glucose is normal.
The nurse is caring for a patient with gout and has a red, painful left great toe. Which of the following nursing actions should be included in the plan of care?
- A. Gently palpate the toe to assess swelling.
- B. Use pillows to keep the left foot elevated.
- C. Use a footboard to hold bedding away from the toe.
- D. Teach patient to avoid use of acetaminophen.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Since any touch on the area of inflammation may increase pain, bedding should be held away from the toe and touching the toe will be avoided. Elevation of the foot will not reduce the pain, which is caused by the urate crystals. Acetaminophen can be used for pain relief.