A client is diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). What symptom would the nurse expect to see?

Choice A reason: This is an unrealistic and unattainable goal for a client with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease that causes joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and deformity. It is not possible to eliminate pain completely with this condition. The nurse should help the client set realistic and individualized goals for pain management.

Choice B reason: This is a vague and subjective goal for pain control. Pain is a personal and multidimensional experience that varies from person to person. The nurse should use a valid and reliable pain assessment tool, such as the numeric rating scale, to measure the client's pain intensity and quality. The nurse should also ask the client about their acceptable level of pain and how it affects their daily activities and quality of life.

Choice C reason: This is a good goal for general health and wellness, but it is not specific to pain control. Eating healthy meals and staying hydrated can help the client maintain their nutritional status and hydration, which are important for overall health. However, they do not directly address the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. The nurse should also consider other factors that can influence pain, such as stress, mood, sleep, and coping strategies.

Choice D reason: This is the best goal for pain control in a client with rheumatoid arthritis. It is realistic, measurable, and individualized. It acknowledges that some pain is inevitable with this condition, but it aims to reduce it to a tolerable level that allows the client to function and enjoy life. It also uses a numeric rating scale to quantify the pain and monitor the effectiveness of interventions.

Choice A reason: "In order to avoid flareups of Raynaud's, ensure to keep cool." is not a correct answer, because it can worsen the symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon. Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that causes the blood vessels in the fingers and toes to narrow and spasm in response to cold or stress, resulting in reduced blood flow and color changes. Keeping cool can trigger or aggravate the spasms and decrease the blood flow.

Choice B reason: "In order to avoid flareups of Raynaud's, ensure you wear sunscreen." is not a correct answer, because it is not related to Raynaud's phenomenon. Sunscreen is a protective measure for clients with lupus, who may have increased sensitivity to ultraviolet rays and increased risk of skin damage and flareups. However, sunscreen does not prevent or treat Raynaud's phenomenon, which is caused by cold or stress, not by sun exposure.

Choice C reason: "In order to avoid flareups of Raynaud's, ensure you wear gloves in winter." is a correct answer, because it can help prevent or reduce the symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon. Wearing gloves in winter can keep the hands warm and prevent the blood vessels from narrowing and spasming due to cold. This can improve the blood flow and prevent color changes, numbness, pain, or ulcers in the fingers.

Choice D reason: "In order to avoid flareups of Raynaud's, ensure you brush your teeth for two minutes." is not a correct answer, because it is not related to Raynaud's phenomenon. Brushing the teeth for two minutes is a good oral hygiene practice that can prevent dental problems, such as plaque, cavities, or gingivitis. However, brushing the teeth does not affect the blood vessels in the fingers and toes, nor does it prevent or treat Raynaud's phenomenon.