A nurse is collecting data from a client who has an exacerbation of gout. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)
Tight skin
Edema
Tophi
Symmetrical joint pain
Erythema
Correct Answer : B,C,E
A nurse collecting data from a client who has an exacerbation of gout should expect to find edema, tophi, and erythema. Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when urate crystals accumulate in the joints, causing inflammation and intense pain. Edema (swelling) is a common symptom of gout⁴. Tophi are deposits of urate crystals that can form under the skin in people with chronic gout³. Erythema (redness) is another common symptom of gout⁴.
a. Tight skin is not a common symptom of gout.
d. Symmetrical joint pain is not a common symptom of gout, as it usually affects only one joint at a time.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The statement that clients in skin traction have more mobility than those in skeletal traction indicates that the newly licensed nurse understands these therapies. Skin traction is applied directly to the skin using splints, bandages, or adhesive tapes and is less invasive than skeletal traction³. Skeletal traction involves placing a pin, wire, or screw in the fractured bone and ataching weights to it to pull the bone into the correct position¹. Because skin traction is less invasive and does not involve inserting a pin into the bone, clients in skin traction have more mobility than those in skeletal traction.
a. Skeletal traction being better than skin traction for reducing a fracture is not necessarily true.
c. Skeletal traction having less risk for infection than skin traction is not true.
d. Clients in skin traction having more discomfort than those in skeletal traction is not necessarily true.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should identify infection as a complication to the client's condition. A warm area on the cast could indicate the presence of an underlying infection. The warmth could be due to an increase in blood flow to the area as the body tries to fight off the infection.
Uneven cast drying, pressure from the cast, and poor circulation are not complications that would cause a warm area on the cast. Uneven cast drying could cause discomfort but would not result in warmth. Pressure from the cast could cause skin breakdown but would not result in warmth. Poor circulation could cause coolness or pallor but would not result in warmth.
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