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

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Edrophonium is used to diagnose myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness. It is not used to treat the symptoms described in the question.
B. Prednisone is a corticosteroid used to treat various conditions, including autoimmune diseases and allergies. It is not used to treat Parkinson's disease, which is the most likely diagnosis based on the symptoms described.
C. This medication is the gold standard for treating Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that causes tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowed movements), and postural instability. Carbidopa- levodopa helps to increase dopamine levels in the brain, which can improve motor function and reduce symptoms.
D. Riluzole is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons. It is not used to treat Parkinson's disease.

A. Pneumothorax B. Hyperinflation C. Masses D. Atelectasis

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. A pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, occurs when air enters the pleural space, leading to lung collapse. While a pneumothorax can be a serious issue, it is not a typical finding associated with advanced COPD.
B. Hyperinflation is a hallmark finding of advanced COPD. It occurs when air becomes trapped in the lungs due to obstructed airways and damaged alveoli, leading to increased lung volumes and overexpansion of the lungs. On a chest X-ray, hyperinflation appears as an increased retrosternal air space, flattened diaphragm, and possibly increased lung volumes.
C. The presence of masses on a chest X-ray might suggest malignancies or other lung pathologies, but it is not a typical finding in COPD. While lung cancer can co-occur with COPD, masses themselves are not a direct indicator of COPD but rather a potential separate issue that would need further evaluation.
D. Atelectasis refers to the collapse of lung tissue due to loss of air in the alveoli, which can occur from various causes including obstruction or compression of the lung. While atelectasis can be seen in various pulmonary conditions, it is not specific to advanced COPD.

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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.)

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is seen in a primary care provider's office. The client has gradually developed a stooped posture, shuffling gait, and a lack of facial expressions. Which medication should the nurse anticipate will be prescribed to treat these symptoms?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has shortness of breath and a chronic cough. The client has smoked one pack of cigarettes per day for the last 20 years. Which finding on the client's chest x-ray would be consistent with a diagnosis of advanced COPD?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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