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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While having a case management evaluation of the client’s home environment can provide valuable information and potential solutions for caregiving challenges, it does not directly address the caregiver’s immediate need for relief and support.
Choice B rationale
Hiring a private duty nurse could provide the caregiver with some time away from caregiving duties. However, this may not be a feasible option for many caregivers due to the cost associated with private nursing care.
Choice C rationale
Proposing that extended family could return to the area to help provide assistance assumes that such help is available and willing. This may not be the case for many caregivers.
Choice D rationale
Suggesting that social services be contacted to find a respite care facility for the client directly addresses the caregiver’s need for relief and support. Respite care provides temporary relief for primary caregivers, allowing them to rest and take care of their own needs. This can help to alleviate symptoms of caregiver burnout, such as poor sleep and frequent crying.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reviewing the history and physical (H&P), nurse’s notes, flow sheet, and orders is a standard part of nursing care for any patient. However, in the case of a 3-week-old infant who has had a seizure, this action alone would not directly address the condition the infant is most likely experiencing.
Choice B rationale
While calling for a chest x-ray could be part of the diagnostic process for certain conditions, it is not typically the first action taken in response to a seizure in an infant.
Choice C rationale
Hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels in the blood, can cause seizures in infants. Phenytoin, the medication given to the baby in the ambulance, is used to control seizures. Therefore, hypocalcemia could be the condition the infant is experiencing.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring the respiratory rate is an important part of assessing any patient’s condition, especially an infant who has had a seizure. However, it does not specify the condition the infant is most likely experiencing.
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