A nurse is educating a client who has osteoarthritis of the knee. Which of the following explanations should the nurse give to the client as part of the disease process?
Damage to cartilage and bone can progressively worsen.
Organ failure in later stages may occur without treatment.
Inflammation will resolve over time.
There will be periods of flare-ups and remission of symptoms.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Damage to cartilage and bone can progressively worsen. This is a characteristic of osteoarthritis. The disease is a degenerative joint disease that results in the loss of cartilage, which cushions the ends of bones in joints. As the disease progresses, the cartilage becomes thinner and may wear away entirely, causing the bones to rub against each other. This can result in pain, stiffness, and loss of joint movement.
Choice B reason:
Organ failure in later stages may occur without treatment. This statement is not typically associated with osteoarthritis. While osteoarthritis can significantly impact a person's quality of life, it does not directly cause organ failure. However, it's important to manage osteoarthritis effectively to maintain overall health and prevent secondary complications.
Choice C reason:
Inflammation will resolve over time. This is not typically true for osteoarthritis. While some people with osteoarthritis may experience periods of reduced symptoms, the underlying disease process does not resolve over time. In fact, osteoarthritis usually worsens over time.
Choice D reason:
There will be periods of flare-ups and remission of symptoms. This is true for many people with osteoarthritis. Symptoms can vary and may become more severe during periods of activity or stress on the joint. Conversely, symptoms may decrease during periods of rest or with effective management strategies.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Applying a foot plate to the bed is not primarily intended to prevent pressure points from developing around the edges of the splint. A foot plate can help in maintaining proper alignment and preventing foot drop, but it does not address the issue of pressure points caused by the splint.
Choice B reason:
Repositioning the client is a key intervention to prevent pressure points. By changing the client's position regularly, the nurse can ensure that no single area is under prolonged pressure, which could lead to skin breakdown and pressure sores. This is particularly important in clients with limited mobility due to skeletal traction.
Choice C reason:
Removing the weights for a few minutes each hour is not a standard practice for preventing pressure points in balanced skeletal traction. The weights are integral to maintaining the necessary pull on the fractured femur, and their removal could disrupt the traction setup and potentially affect fracture healing.
Choice D reason:
Applying lotion to the skin under the edges of the splint is not recommended as it could soften the skin and make it more susceptible to injury. Instead, padding and proper positioning are used to protect the skin from the hard edges of the splint.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Acetaminophen is commonly used for pain relief in osteoarthritis. It is recommended for clients who have mild to moderate pain. It does not reduce inflammation but can be effective in managing pain without the gastrointestinal side effects associated with NSAIDs.
Choice B reason:
Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is specifically a COX-2 inhibitor. It is used to reduce pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis. Celecoxib can be a good option for those who need an anti-inflammatory and may have a lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding compared to other NSAIDs.
Choice C reason:
Ibuprofen, another NSAID, is effective in reducing the inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis. It is available over the counter and can be used for short-term pain management, but it should be used cautiously due to potential side effects, including gastrointestinal bleeding and cardiovascular risks.
Choice D reason:
Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant and is not typically used as a first-line treatment for osteoarthritis. It may be prescribed in cases where muscle spasms are present, but it does not directly address the joint pain or inflammation caused by osteoarthritis.
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