A nurse is caring for a client who underwent an appendectomy 2 days ago and now reports sudden, unbearable pain in the left great toe. The client has a medical history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, gouty arthritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
Eat high-protein foods to achieve ideal body weight.
Avoid acetylsalicylic acid-containing medications.
Wrap joints with an elastic bandage when swollen.
Support joints in an extended position while resting.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Eating high-protein foods to achieve ideal body weight is generally a healthy practice, but it is not directly related to the management of the client's current condition involving pain in the toe.
Choice B reason: Patients with gouty arthritis should avoid acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) as it can lead to an increase in uric acid levels, potentially exacerbating gout attacks. Instead, medications that do not affect uric acid levels should be used for pain relief.
Choice C reason: Wrapping joints with an elastic bandage can provide support and reduce swelling, but it is not the primary intervention for sudden pain in the toe following an appendectomy, especially when the patient has a history of gouty arthritis.
Choice D reason: Supporting joints in an extended position while resting can provide comfort and may prevent stiffness, but it does not address the acute management of gouty arthritis or diabetic complications that could be causing toe pain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Asking the client to describe the pain is essential as it provides subjective information about the pain's quality, intensity, and impact on daily activities, which is crucial for assessing osteoarthritis pain.
Choice B reason: Observing body language and movement can offer insights into the pain's impact on function, but it does not replace the client's verbal description of the pain experience.
Choice C reason: Identifying effective pain relief measures is part of managing osteoarthritis but does not directly assess the quality of the client's knee pain.
Choice D reason: Providing a numeric pain scale is a method to quantify pain intensity but may not fully capture the quality or characteristics of the pain.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assuming care of the client and reassigning the PN does not address the immediate need to correct the client's position for the sigmoidoscopy.
Choice B reason: While assistance may be needed, it is more important to first ensure that the client is in the correct position for the procedure.
Choice C reason: Acknowledging the PN's action would be incorrect since the client has not been positioned safely and correctly for a sigmoidoscopy.
Choice D reason: Demonstrating the correct positioning ensures the procedure can be performed effectively and safely, which is the nurse's immediate responsibility.
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