A nurse is assessing a client who is 48 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A rationale

Unilateral joint involvement is not typical of rheumatoid arthritis. This condition usually affects joints symmetrically, meaning both sides of the body are involved. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, leading to inflammation and joint damage.

Choice B rationale

Ulnar deviation is a common finding in rheumatoid arthritis. It occurs due to chronic inflammation and damage to the joints, particularly in the hands. The fingers may deviate towards the ulnar side (the side of the little finger) due to the weakening of the ligaments and tendons.

Choice C rationale

Decreased sedimentation rate is not a typical finding in rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is usually elevated in this condition due to the ongoing inflammation. ESR is a marker of inflammation and is used to monitor disease activity.

Choice D rationale

Fractures of the spine are not a common finding in rheumatoid arthritis. While osteoporosis can be a complication of rheumatoid arthritis, leading to an increased risk of fractures, the spine is not typically the primary site of joint involvement in this condition.

Choice A rationale

Red skin with edema in the nail beds is more indicative of a superficial injury or inflammation, such as cellulitis or a mild burn, rather than frostbite.

Choice B rationale

Black fingertips surrounded by an erythematous rash suggest gangrene or severe necrosis, which can occur in advanced stages of frostbite but is not an initial finding.

Choice C rationale

A white appearance to the skin that is insensitive to touch is a classic sign of frostbite. The lack of sensation is due to the freezing of tissues and nerves, and the white color indicates a lack of blood flow to the affected area.

Choice D rationale

A pink edematous hand is more indicative of a mild inflammatory response or early stages of frostbite before the tissue has frozen. It does not represent the more severe presentation of frostbite.