A client who was recently diagnosed with Raynaud's disease is concerned about pain management. Which nursing instruction should the nurse provide?
Painful areas should be rubbed gently until the pain subsides
Enrolling in a pain clinic can provide pain relief alternatives
Wearing gloves when handling cold items guards against painful spasms
Return appointments will be needed for IV pain medication
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Rubbing painful areas gently may provide temporary relief, but it is not a specific or effective long-term management strategy for Raynaud's disease. This advice could lead to further discomfort if not done correctly, and it does not address the primary trigger, which is cold exposure.
Choice B reason: Enrolling in a pain clinic can provide pain relief alternatives, but this is a general recommendation and not specific to the management of Raynaud's disease. While pain clinics can be helpful for chronic pain management, practical daily interventions are also crucial for this condition.
Choice C reason: Wearing gloves when handling cold items is a direct and practical way to prevent painful spasms associated with Raynaud's disease. This condition is characterized by episodes of reduced blood flow to the extremities, typically triggered by cold temperatures. By wearing gloves, the client can protect their hands from cold exposure, which helps prevent these painful spasms.
Choice D reason: Return appointments for IV pain medication are not typical for managing Raynaud's disease. Pain management for Raynaud's generally focuses on preventive measures and lifestyle adjustments to avoid triggers, rather than relying on IV medications for pain relief.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administering PRN pain medication can help manage the client's discomfort, but it does not address the underlying cause of the pain. It is essential to assess and identify the source of the pain before administering pain relief. Providing pain medication without a thorough assessment may mask symptoms of a serious underlying issue.
Choice B reason: Observing the leg for swelling is important, as swelling can indicate complications such as compartment syndrome or infection. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take. While swelling is a significant sign, assessing blood flow to the extremity is more critical and should be prioritized.
Choice C reason: Assessing peripheral pulses is the correct first intervention. The presence of foot pain in a client with an external fixation device for a fractured femur could indicate compromised blood flow to the lower extremity. Assessing the peripheral pulses will help determine if there is adequate circulation. If pulses are weak or absent, it may suggest a serious vascular issue that requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications such as tissue ischemia or necrosis.
Choice D reason: Auscultating blood pressure is a routine assessment but does not directly address the immediate concern of left foot pain in this scenario. Blood pressure assessment is important for overall health monitoring but is not the priority when dealing with a possible vascular complication in the affected limb. Ensuring adequate blood flow to the extremity takes precedence.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: A fasting serum glucose level of 140 mg/dL (7.77 mmol/L) indicates hyperglycemia, which is elevated but not an immediate life-threatening complication. It suggests poor blood glucose control but does not directly indicate a complication specific to type 2 diabetes and hypertension. This value should prompt further evaluation and adjustments in diabetes management, but it is not as critical as other potential findings.
Choice B reason: A glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) level of 6.9% is within the range of good diabetic control. While it indicates the client has been managing their blood glucose levels relatively well over the past few months, it does not suggest a current complication. This value is used to assess long-term glucose control rather than acute issues.
Choice C reason: A serum creatinine level of 1.6 mg/dL (141.44 umol/L) is elevated and indicates impaired kidney function. Clients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension are at increased risk for kidney disease, known as diabetic nephropathy or hypertensive nephropathy. Elevated creatinine levels suggest that the kidneys are not filtering waste products effectively, which is a significant complication that requires immediate attention and intervention.
Choice D reason: A white blood cell (WBC) count of 11,000/mm3 (11 x 10^9/L) is slightly elevated and may suggest an infection or inflammation. However, it is not a specific complication related to type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Elevated WBC counts warrant further investigation to identify any underlying infection or inflammatory process, but it is not as directly related to diabetic or hypertensive complications as elevated serum creatinine.
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