The nurse is determining the type of arthritis a patient is experiencing. Which assessment finding would be present if the patient has rheumatoid arthritis?
- A. Stiffness is relieved by activity
- B. Health history includes weight loss and fever
- C. Abnormal joint findings are limited to the hands
- D. Heberden’s nodes are located on the finger joints
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In rheumatoid arthritis, the health history often includes systemic symptoms such as weight loss and fever. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects multiple joints symmetrically. Unlike osteoarthritis where joint stiffness is often relieved by activity, stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis is typically worse in the morning and after inactivity. In rheumatoid arthritis, joint deformities can occur in various joints, not just limited to the hands. Heberden's nodes are characteristic of osteoarthritis, not rheumatoid arthritis.
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An adult client is experiencing paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Which nursing interventions are appropriate based on the data provided? Select all that apply.
- A. Initiate oxygen therapy
- B. Prepare for cardioversion
- C. Begin anticoagulation therapy as prescribed
- D. Administer intravenous adenosine as prescribed
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A. Initiate oxygen therapy: Providing oxygen therapy is appropriate to ensure adequate oxygenation and tissue perfusion during episodes of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
The nurse is caring for an adult client who was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect as a child, which was later repaired with surgery. Which common complication of a heart defect should the nurse monitor that the client may still be at risk for?
- A. Deep vein thrombosis
- B. Endocarditis
- C. Atherosclerosis
- D. Shock
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Endocarditis is a common complication that individuals with repaired congenital heart defects may still be at risk for. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. The altered structure of the heart tissue from the previous defect and surgery can create an increased risk for bacterial growth and infection. Patients with a history of congenital heart defects should be monitored for signs and symptoms of endocarditis, such as fever, fatigue, new heart murmurs, and evidence of systemic embolization. Prophylactic antibiotics before certain dental and surgical procedures may be recommended to prevent endocarditis in this population. Therefore, the nurse should be vigilant in monitoring for any symptoms suggestive of endocarditis in this client.
A client with primary hypertension is prescribed terazosin (Hytrin) to treat this condition. What is the mechanism of action of this drug?
- A. Prevents conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
- B. Prevents beta-receptor stimulation in the heart
- C. Inhibits the flow of calcium ions across the cell membrane of vascular tissue and cardiac cells
- D. Blocks alpha-receptors in the vascular smooth muscle
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Terazosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker. By blocking alpha-1 receptors in the vascular smooth muscle, terazosin causes dilation of both arteries and veins, leading to reduced peripheral vascular resistance and decreased blood pressure. This dilation effect is achieved by preventing the binding of norepinephrine to alpha-1 receptors, thereby inhibiting vasoconstriction. Terazosin is commonly used in the treatment of hypertension to help lower blood pressure by reducing the workload on the heart and improving blood flow to organs and tissues.
A patient has developed a paralytic ileus following recent abdominal surgery. What is the most important nursing action when caring for this patient?
- A. Monitor bowel sounds every hour
- B. Maintain the patient on strict bed rest
- C. Ensure the nasogastric tube is functioning
- D. Ensure that the patient is given a clear liquid diet
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ensuring that the nasogastric tube is functioning is the most important nursing action when caring for a patient with a paralytic ileus. A paralytic ileus is a condition where there is a temporary paralysis of the intestine, leading to a lack of bowel motility. This can result in a buildup of gas and fluids in the intestines, causing abdominal distension, pain, and potential complications.
The nurse hears a grating sound while assessing the range of motion of a patient’s hip. How should the nurse document this finding?
- A. Crackles
- B. Arthritis
- C. Synovitis
- D. Crepitation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Crepitation refers to a grating sound or sensation that occurs when there is rubbing together of the roughened articular surfaces of bones within a joint. It is commonly associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis or joint injury. Therefore, if the nurse hears a grating sound while assessing the range of motion of a patient's hip, the appropriate documentation of this finding would be crepitation.