A 35-year-old woman, who works as a legal secretary, visits the outpatient clinic for an assessment of consistent pain in her hands.

She reports that the pain is identical in both hands and wrists but is worse upon waking. The pain and stiffness have persisted for the past 3 months.

She believes she has arthritis because her mother and grandmother both have arthritis.

Based on the data provided, determine the most likely condition the client is experiencing, two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client’s progress.

Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Gout

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. They can include: Pain in the joint during or after use, or after periods of inactivity, Tenderness in the joint when you apply light pressure to or near it, Stiffness in the joint, that may be most noticeable when you wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity, Loss of flexibility in the joint, Grating sensation or sound when you use the joint. But in this case, the client’s symptoms do not align with those of osteoarthritis.

Choice B rationale
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include: Tender, warm, swollen joints, Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity, Fatigue, fever and loss of appetite. The client’s symptoms align with those of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Choice C rationale
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling and other symptoms in the hand and arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a compressed nerve in the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist. The anatomy of your wrist, health problems and possibly repetitive hand motions can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. But in this case, the client’s symptoms do not align with those of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Choice D rationale
Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It’s characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe. An attack of gout can occur suddenly, often waking you up in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. The affected joint is hot, swollen and so tender that even the weight of the sheet on it may seem intolerable. But in this case, the client’s symptoms do not align with those of Gout.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

While seizure precautions are important for clients receiving certain medications or with certain conditions, they are not typically necessary for clients receiving dopamine. Dopamine, an adrenergic agonist, does not typically increase the risk of seizures.

Choice B rationale

Assessing pupillary response to light hourly is not typically necessary for clients receiving dopamine. Dopamine does not typically affect pupillary response.

Choice C rationale

Measuring urinary output every hour is an important intervention for a client receiving dopamine. Dopamine at low to moderate doses can dilate renal blood vessels, which can increase urine output. Therefore, monitoring urinary output can help assess the effectiveness of the medication and the client’s renal perfusion.

Choice D rationale

While it is important to monitor electrolyte levels in clients receiving certain medications, frequent monitoring of serum potassium is not typically necessary for clients receiving dopamine. Dopamine does not typically affect serum potassium levels.

A. Obtain equipment for gastric lavage. B. Determine the type of chemical exposure. C. Assess the child for altered sensorium. D. Call the poison control emergency number.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Gastric lavage is a procedure that involves the insertion of a tube into the stomach to remove its contents and is typically used in cases of poisoning or drug overdose. However, it should not be the first action taken. The type of chemical exposure needs to be determined first to guide appropriate treatment.
Choice B rationale
Determining the type of chemical exposure is crucial as it guides the subsequent steps in management. Different chemicals can have different effects on the body and require different treatments.
Choice C rationale
While assessing for altered sensorium is important in a child exposed to chemicals, it is not the first action. The nurse needs to identify the type of chemical the child was exposed to in order to anticipate potential complications and guide treatment.
Choice D rationale

Calling the poison control emergency number is an important step in managing a case of chemical exposure. However, having information about the type of chemical the child was exposed to can make this call more effective.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who is hypotensive is receiving dopamine, an adrenergic agonist, intravenously (IV) at the rate of 8 mg/kg/min. Which intervention should the nurse implement while administering this medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A mother rushes into the emergency department carrying her toddler who has been exposed to some cleaning products. The child has a chemical smell on their hands, face, and clothes. After ensuring the airway is patent, which action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A patient admitted to the hospital with a suspected ruptured diverticulum develops signs and symptoms of septic shock. The healthcare provider prescribes a sepsis protocol. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the plan of care?

A client with hepatic failure has an electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, and a weight gain of 4.4 lbs (2 kg) in 24 hours. What intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A client on the mental health unit has been displaying signs of agitation, such as scowling and pacing rapidly up and down the hallway for several minutes. Which behaviors should the nurse prioritize for monitoring?

The nurse is preparing a 50 mL dose of 50% dextrose IV for a patient with insulin shock. What is the appropriate method for administering the medication?

Which laboratory test results should the nurse monitor in a patient who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD)?

An adolescent patient with a non-union of a comminuted fracture of the tibia is admitted with osteomyelitis. After the healthcare provider collects bone aspirate specimens for culture and sensitivity and applies a cast to the adolescent’s lower leg, what should the nurse do next?