A nurse is assessing a client with suspected Ankylosing Spondylitis.
The client complains of lower back pain and stiffness that worsens in the morning or after periods of inactivity but improves with physical activity.
Which statement accurately describes the hallmark symptom of Ankylosing Spondylitis?

"My pain is constant throughout the day.”

"My pain is worse with physical activity.”

"My pain is relieved by heat therapy.”

"My pain radiates to my buttocks.”

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

The hallmark symptom of Ankylosing Spondylitis is lower back pain and stiffness that worsens in the morning or after periods of inactivity but improves with physical activity.

This is known as inflammatory back pain, which is characteristic of Ankylosing Spondylitis.

The pain is typically most severe in the morning and gradually improves with activity as the day progresses.

This pattern is due to the inflammatory nature of the condition, and it distinguishes Ankylosing Spondylitis from other causes of lower back pain.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is incorrect.

Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis typically worsens with inactivity and improves with physical activity, which is the opposite of what is described here.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is incorrect.

Heat therapy may provide some temporary relief for muscle tension or minor aches, but it is not the primary method of relieving pain associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is incorrect.

Pain radiating to the buttocks is not the hallmark symptom of Ankylosing Spondylitis.

While some individuals with the condition may experience radiating pain, it is not the defining characteristic of the disease.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

"Avoid exercise to prevent joint stiffness." This statement is not accurate and is not a part of the recommended management for Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).

Exercise is crucial in managing AS to prevent joint stiffness and maintain mobility.

Therefore, the nurse should not provide this advice.

Choice B rationale:

"Don't worry about your posture; it won't affect your condition." Proper posture is essential in managing AS to prevent further spinal deformities and reduce pain.

This statement is not accurate and should not be included in the nurse's advice to the patient.

Choice C rationale:

"Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential." This is the correct answer.

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are indeed essential in managing AS.

Starting treatment early can help slow the progression of the disease and improve the patient's quality of life.

Therefore, the nurse should emphasize the importance of early intervention.

Choice D rationale:

"Smoking can help reduce the risk of severe symptoms." This statement is completely inaccurate and should not be included in the nurse's advice.

Smoking is detrimental to overall health and can worsen the symptoms of AS.

The nurse should strongly advise against smoking for AS patients.

Questions

A. Encourage the client to avoid physical activity to prevent further discomfort. B. Recommend surgery to correct the spine's limited range of motion. C. Assist the client in performing range of motion exercises and physical therapy. D. Administer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as prescribed.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the client to avoid physical activity is not an appropriate intervention.

Physical activity and exercise, including range of motion exercises, are essential in managing Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Inactivity can worsen symptoms and lead to further stiffness.

Choice B rationale:

Recommending surgery to correct the spine's limited range of motion is not typically the first step in managing Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Surgery may be considered in severe cases with spinal deformities, but it is not the initial intervention.

Choice C rationale:

Assisting the client in performing range of motion exercises and physical therapy is an appropriate nursing intervention.

These exercises help maintain and improve flexibility, reduce pain, and slow the progression of the disease.

Physical therapy is a key component of Ankylosing Spondylitis management.

Choice D rationale:

Administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as prescribed can help manage pain and inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis, but it is not a nursing intervention related to improving range of motion.

It is essential to combine NSAID therapy with exercise and physical therapy for optimal management of the condition.

Questions

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is discussing preventive measures for Ankylosing Spondylitis with a patient.What advice should the nurse provide to the patient?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

During a nursing assessment of a client with Ankylosing Spondylitis, the nurse notes limited range of motion in the client's spine, resulting in decreased flexibility.Which nursing intervention is appropriate for this client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

During a nursing assessment of a client with Ankylosing Spondylitis, the nurse observes that the client is experiencing buttock pain and stiffness that may radiate to the hips and thighs.Which statement made by the client aligns with the symptom of sacroiliitis associated with this condition?

A nurse is providing education to a patient newly diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis.Which of the following statements is appropriate for the nurse to include in the teaching plan?

A client with Ankylosing Spondylitis asks the nurse about treatment options.What should the nurse include in the response?

A nurse is discussing the causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis with a patient.Which statement accurately describes a risk factor associated with this condition?

A nurse is planning interventions for a patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis.Which nursing intervention is appropriate for managing this condition?

A nurse is assessing a patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis.Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply).

A nurse is assessing a patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis.Select all the appropriate nursing interventions for this patient.

A nurse is educating a client about the pharmacological management of Ankylosing Spondylitis.Which class of medications is considered the first-line treatment to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in this condition?