A client states that he has been experiencing oozing from his wound. What is the nurse's priority assessment for this client?

Choice A reason: Heberden's nodes are not a symptom of lupus. Heberden's nodes are bony swellings that form on the distal interphalangeal joints of the fingers. They are a sign of osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Choice B reason: Chvostek's sign is not a symptom of lupus. Chvostek's sign is a facial twitch that occurs when the facial nerve is tapped near the ear. It is a sign of hypocalcemia, which is a low level of calcium in the blood. Hypocalcemia may be caused by various conditions, such as hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, or renal failure.

Choice C reason: OsgoodSchlatter's disease is not a symptom of lupus. OsgoodSchlatter's disease is a condition that affects the growth plate of the tibia, which is the shin bone. It causes pain, swelling, and tenderness below the knee. It is common in adolescents who are active in sports that involve running, jumping, or bending the knee.

Choice D reason: Butterfly rash is a classic symptom of lupus. Butterfly rash is a malar rash that appears across the cheeks and the bridge of the nose. It is a common sign of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues. The rash may flare up or fade depending on the disease activity and exposure to sunlight.

Choice A reason: This is the highest risk client because surgery can cause trauma, blood loss, and infection, which can weaken the immune system and increase the susceptibility to complications. The immune system is the body's defense mechanism that protects against foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Surgery can damage the skin and tissues, which are the first line of defense, and cause inflammation, which can impair the function of the white blood cells, which are the second line of defense. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, wound healing, and signs of infection and administer antibiotics, fluids, and pain medication as ordered.

Choice B reason: This is not the highest risk client, but it is a moderate risk client because extreme anxiety can cause stress, which can affect the immune system and increase the vulnerability to illness. Stress is the body's response to a perceived threat or challenge, which can activate the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamicpituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis. Stress can cause the release of hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can suppress the immune system and reduce the production and activity of the white blood cells. The nurse should assess the client's anxiety level and provide coping strategies, such as relaxation, breathing, or counseling.

Choice C reason: This is not the highest risk client, but it is a low risk client because awaiting surgery can cause anxiety, which can affect the immune system and increase the vulnerability to illness. However, the client's anxiety level may not be as high as the client with extreme anxiety, and the client's immune system may not be as compromised as the client who has just had surgery. The nurse should assess the client's anxiety level and provide education, reassurance, and support.

Choice D reason: This is not the highest risk client, but it is a low risk client because delivering a baby can cause blood loss, hormonal changes, and fatigue, which can affect the immune system and increase the risk of infection. However, the client's immune system may not be as compromised as the client who has just had surgery, and the client may have some protection from the antibodies that are passed from the mother to the baby through the placenta and breast milk. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, lochia, and signs of infection and provide hygiene, nutrition, and rest.