A client who is obese reports severe pain and inability to bear weight in the right knee after making dietary changes 3 weeks ago for weight loss. The client's medical history includes hypertension, gouty arthritis, and cholecystitis. Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
Use electric heating pad when pain is at its worse.
Increase fluid intake to 2000 mL per day.
Exercise daily for at least 30 minutes.
Eat high protein foods to achieve ideal body weight.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Use electric heating pad when pain is at its worse: Heat can help relieve stiffness in arthritis, but during acute gout flares, applying heat may exacerbate inflammation. Cold therapy is generally recommended during severe joint pain episodes.
B. Increase fluid intake to 2000 mL per day: Adequate hydration helps prevent uric acid crystal formation, which can reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks. Encouraging increased fluid intake is an important part of long-term management in clients with gouty arthritis.
C. Exercise daily for at least 30 minutes: While regular exercise supports weight loss and overall joint health, exercising during an acute flare can worsen pain and potentially injure the affected joint. Activity should be resumed gradually once inflammation subsides.
D. Eat high protein foods to achieve ideal body weight: High-protein diets, especially those rich in purines (e.g., red meat, organ meats), can exacerbate gout. Discharge teaching should focus on balanced nutrition with attention to foods that minimize uric acid levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Rationale for correct choices:
• Pain level presently 3 on a 0 to 10 scale: A reduction in pain from 8/10 to 3/10 indicates that the morphine is effectively alleviating the client’s pain. Effective analgesia allows for improved comfort, participation in breathing exercises, and reduced stress response.
• Client is able to take deep breaths, achieving 1,000 mL on incentive spirometer: Increased inspiratory volume demonstrates improved lung expansion, indicating that pain control is facilitating better respiratory effort. This is especially important to prevent atelectasis and maintain adequate oxygenation after rib fractures.
• Repositions in bed with minimal assistance: Ability to move with less assistance reflects improved comfort and mobility due to effective pain management. This shows the therapeutic effect of analgesia in enabling functional activity without excessive pain.
Rationale for incorrect choices:
• Client reports feeling "sleepy": Sleepiness is a common side effect of morphine, reflecting central nervous system depression rather than a therapeutic effect of pain relief. While mild sedation can accompany effective analgesia, it does not directly indicate improvement in the underlying condition.
• New mild cough noted: The appearance of a new cough is not a direct indicator of therapeutic pain relief. It may reflect airway irritation, increased secretions, or a response to deeper breathing, but it is not a measure of analgesic effectiveness.
• Attempted to get up to the chair, but experienced dizziness with standing: Dizziness indicates a side effect of the opioid (orthostatic hypotension or sedation), not a therapeutic response. This finding requires monitoring and safety interventions.
Correct Answer is ["C","E","G"]
Explanation
A. IV site without redness or swelling: The IV site appears normal with no signs of infiltration or infection, so no immediate follow-up is required. This finding indicates proper IV insertion and maintenance.
B. Temperature: 98.8° F (37.1° C): This is within normal limits and does not indicate fever or infection, so it does not require immediate follow-up.
C. Respirations: 28 breaths/minute: This is above the normal adult range (12–20 breaths/minute) and may indicate respiratory distress due to pain, shallow breathing, or possible pulmonary complications such as atelectasis or pneumonia, requiring close monitoring and follow-up.
D. Heart rate: 92 beats/minute: Slightly elevated but within mild tachycardia range, which could be related to pain or anxiety. It should be monitored but does not require urgent follow-up.
E. Taking shallow breaths: Shallow breathing is concerning in a client with rib fractures, as it increases the risk for hypoventilation, atelectasis, and pneumonia. This requires immediate intervention, such as pain management and respiratory support.
F. Alert and oriented to person, place, time, and situation: Cognitive status is normal, so no follow-up is needed.
G. Pain 8 on a 0 to 10 scale: Severe pain limits deep breathing and mobility, increasing the risk of complications. Pain management should be addressed promptly to improve comfort and respiratory function.
H. Blood pressure: 138/82 mm Hg: Slightly elevated, likely related to pain or stress. Monitor trends, but it does not require immediate follow-up at this time.
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