Which sign/symptom makes the nurse suspect the client has ankylosing spondylitis?
- A. Low back pain at night relieved by activity in the morning.
- B. Ascending paralysis of the lower extremities up to the spinal cord.
- C. A deep ache and stiffness in the hip joints radiating down the legs.
- D. Difficulty changing from lying to sitting position, especially at night.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nighttime low back pain relieved by morning activity is classic for ankylosing spondylitis. Paralysis, hip pain, and positional difficulty suggest other conditions.
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The nurse caring for a client who is HIV positive is stuck with the stylet used to start an IV. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Flush the skin with water and try to get the area to bleed.
- B. Notify the charge nurse and complete an incident report.
- C. Report to the employee health nurse for prophylactic medication.
- D. Follow up with the infection control nurse to have laboratory work done.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Flushing and inducing bleeding at the site immediately reduces viral load. Notification, prophylaxis, and lab work follow.
The nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with RA. Which assessment findings warrant immediate intervention?
- A. The client complains of joint stiffness and the knees feel warm to the touch.
- B. The client has experienced one (1)-kg weight loss and is very tired.
- C. The client requires a heating pad applied to the hips and back to sleep.
- D. The client is crying, has a flat facial affect, and refuses to speak to the nurse.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Crying, flat affect, and refusal to speak suggest depression or suicidal ideation, requiring immediate intervention. Stiffness, weight loss, and heating pad use are expected in RA.
The client diagnosed with an acute exacerbation of SLE is being discharged with a prescription for an oral steroid which will be discontinued gradually. Which statement is the scientific rationale for this type of medication dosing?
- A. Tapering the medication prevents the client from having withdrawal symptoms.
- B. So the thyroid gland starts working, because this medication stops it from working.
- C. Tapering the dose allows the adrenal glands to begin to produce cortisol again.
- D. This is the health-care provider's personal choice in prescribing the medication.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tapering steroids allows adrenal glands to resume cortisol production, preventing adrenal insufficiency. Withdrawal symptoms are secondary, thyroid is unaffected, and it’s not provider preference.
The client diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome is on a ventilator. Which intervention will assist the client to communicate with the nursing staff?
- A. Provide an erase slate board for the client to write on.
- B. Instruct the client to blink once for 'no' and twice for 'yes.'
- C. Refer to a speech therapist to help with communication.
- D. Leave the call light within easy reach of the client.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Blinking (once for no, twice for yes) is a simple communication method for a ventilated client with paralysis. Writing, speech therapy, and call light access are less feasible.
The client diagnosed with a bee sting allergy is being discharged from the emergency department. Which priority discharge instruction should be taught to the client?
- A. Demonstrate how to use an EpiPen, an adrenergic agonist.
- B. Teach the client to never go outdoors in the spring and summer.
- C. Have the client buy diphenhydramine over the counter to use when stung.
- D. Discuss wearing a Medic Alert bracelet when going outside.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: EpiPen use is critical for managing anaphylaxis in bee sting allergies. Avoiding outdoors is impractical, diphenhydramine is secondary, and bracelets are supportive.