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:
Asking questions about the information on her postoperative care pamphlet is a positive behavior indicating that the client is proactive in understanding her care and recovery process. It shows engagement and a desire to comply with medical advice, which is beneficial for recovery.
Choice B reason:
Refusing to look at the dressing or surgical incision may indicate psychological distress and difficulty in accepting the physical changes following a mastectomy. This behavior can be a sign of avoidance and a potential struggle with body image and the emotional impact of breast loss. It's important for healthcare providers to recognize this as a call for psychological support and possible referral to counseling services.
Choice C reason:
Performing arm exercises once or twice a day is typically recommended as part of the postoperative care after a mastectomy to prevent stiffness and improve mobility. This behavior suggests that the client is following postoperative instructions and actively participating in her recovery.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While examining the client for areas of skin breakdown is an important part of ongoing care, especially for clients with spinal cord injuries who are at increased risk for pressure ulcers, it is not the first action to take when autonomic dysreflexia is suspected. Skin breakdown is not an immediate life-threatening issue compared to the potential complications of autonomic dysreflexia.
Choice B reason:
Checking the client's bladder for distention is a critical step in the management of autonomic dysreflexia, as an overfull bladder is a common trigger for this condition. However, the very first action should be to place the client in a sitting position to lower blood pressure, which can be dangerously high during an episode of autonomic dysreflexia.
Choice C reason:
Checking for fecal impaction is another important intervention for managing autonomic dysreflexia, as an impacted bowel can also trigger an episode. However, similar to checking for bladder distention, this is not the first action to take. Immediate measures to lower blood pressure are prioritized for the safety of the client.
Choice D reason:
Placing the client in a sitting position, or elevating the head of the bed to at least 45 degrees, is the first and most critical action when autonomic dysreflexia is suspected. This position helps to lower blood pressure by promoting venous return to the heart and can prevent complications such as stroke from the sudden hypertension associated with autonomic dysreflexia.
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