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The nurse is discussing autoimmune diseases with a class of nursing students. Which signs and symptoms are shared by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
- A. Nodules in the subcutaneous layer and bone deformity.
- B. Renal involvement and pleural effusions.
- C. Joint stiffness and pain.
- D. Raynaud's phenomenon and skin rash.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Joint stiffness and pain are common to both RA and SLE. Nodules and deformities are RA-specific, renal/pleural issues are more SLE-specific, and Raynaud’s/rash are not universal in RA.
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The nurse is preparing to administer morning medications. Which medication should the nurse administer first?
- A. The pain medication to a client diagnosed with RA.
- B. The diuretic medication to a client diagnosed with SLE.
- C. The steroid to a client diagnosed with polymyositis.
- D. The appetite stimulant to a client diagnosed with OA.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Steroids for polymyositis address inflammation and muscle weakness, a priority in autoimmune disease. Pain, diuresis, and appetite are less urgent.
The client is diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. Which intervention should the nurse implement when administering the anticholinesterase pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?
- A. Administer the medication 30 minutes prior to meals.
- B. Instruct the client to take with eight (8) ounces of water.
- C. Explain the importance of sitting up for one (1) hour after taking medication.
- D. Assess the client's blood pressure prior to administering medication.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Administering pyridostigmine 30 minutes before meals maximizes muscle strength for swallowing. Water volume, sitting up, and BP checks are not specific requirements.
The client is prescribed a prick epicutaneous test to determine the cause of hypersensitivity reactions. Which result indicates the client is hypersensitive to the allergen?
- A. The client complains of shortness of breath.
- B. The skin is dry, intact, and without redness.
- C. The pricked blood tests positive for allergens.
- D. A pruritic wheal and erythema occur.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A pruritic wheal and erythema at the prick site indicate a positive allergic response. Shortness of breath is systemic, dry skin is negative, and blood tests are separate.
Which client problem is priority for a client diagnosed with RA?
- A. Activity intolerance.
- B. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
- C. Alteration in comfort.
- D. Excessive nutritional intake.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Chronic pain (alteration in comfort) is a hallmark of RA, impacting quality of life. Activity intolerance, fluid balance, and nutrition are secondary.
The client diagnosed with myasthenia gravis is admitted to the emergency department with a sudden exacerbation of motor weakness. Which assessment data indicate the client is experiencing a cholinergic crisis?
- A. The serum assay of circulating acetylcholine receptor antibodies is increased.
- B. The client's symptoms improve when administering a cholinesterase inhibitor.
- C. The client's blood pressure, pulse, and respirations improve after IV fluid.
- D. The Tensilon test does not show improvement in the client's muscle strength.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cholinergic crisis (overdose of cholinesterase inhibitors) shows no improvement with Tensilon, unlike myasthenic crisis. Antibody levels, symptom improvement, and vital signs are not specific.