A client is admitted to the hospital during an exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Which of the following nursing interventions are appropriate for a client experiencing an RA flare? (Select all that apply.)
Place client on total bedrest and avoid use of affected joints
Provide warm compresses to affected joints
Place several pillows under the head to keep the neck in a flexed position
Place the client on continuous cardiac monitoring
Administer methylprednisolone as ordered
Correct Answer : B,E
A. Total bedrest is generally not recommended. It is important to balance rest with gentle movement to maintain joint function and prevent stiffness. Instead of complete bedrest, promoting periods of rest
while allowing for limited activity as tolerated is more appropriate. Avoiding use of affected joints may be beneficial during acute inflammation but complete immobilization can lead to muscle atrophy and joint stiffness.
B. Applying warm compresses to affected joints can help relieve stiffness and pain associated with RA. Warmth can improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension around the joints. This intervention is typically beneficial during periods of stiffness and can help increase comfort. However, cold compresses may also be used during acute inflammation to reduce swelling.
C. Placing pillows to keep the neck in a flexed position is not advisable for RA patients. It can cause discomfort and potentially worsen joint and muscle issues. Proper positioning should support natural body alignment, and patients should be encouraged to maintain a neutral neck position to avoid additional strain.
D. Continuous cardiac monitoring is not a routine intervention for RA exacerbations unless there is an indication of cardiac involvement or complications. RA itself does not typically require continuous cardiac monitoring.
E. Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation and manage RA symptoms during flares. Administering it as ordered is an appropriate intervention to control inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. MS is an autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system, not the kidneys.
B. MG is an autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction, not the kidneys.
C. GBS is an autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system, not the kidneys.
D. SLE is a systemic autoimmune disorder that can affect multiple organs, including the kidneys. Glomerulonephritis is a common complication of SLE.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. AMD affects the macula, which is responsible for central vision and fine detail. As the condition progresses, patients often experience a gradual loss of central vision, which can make it difficult to read, recognize faces, and perform tasks that require sharp vision. Distortion of straight lines (metamorphopsia) is also common, where straight lines may appear wavy or bent.
B. Floaters and flashes of light are more commonly associated with conditions affecting the vitreous body of the eye or retinal detachment, rather than AMD. These symptoms can occur due to changes in the vitreous gel or as a result of other retinal issues, but they are not the primary symptoms of AMD.
C. Cloudy vision and glare are typically associated with cataracts, not AMD. Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. AMD does not cause the lens to cloud, so these symptoms are not characteristic of AMD.
D. Loss of peripheral vision is more characteristic of glaucoma rather than AMD. AMD primarily affects central vision, leaving peripheral vision relatively intact until the disease progresses to an advanced stage. Glaucoma, on the other hand, often leads to a gradual loss of peripheral vision.
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