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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason: The use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) is indicated for anemia due to chemotherapy¹. However, the client's hemoglobin (Hgb) level is 12.1 g/dL, which is within the normal range (normal: 12-15.5 g/dL for women). Therefore, administering an ESA is not indicated based on the Hgb level provided.
Choice B reason: A diet with increased protein can be beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy as it helps in tissue repair and immune system function. However, the client's albumin level is 4.5 g/dL, which falls within the normal range (normal: 3.4-5.4 g/dL), suggesting adequate protein intake. Thus, there is no indication that the client requires an increased protein diet based on the albumin level provided.
Choice C reason: The client's white blood cell (WBC) count is 1,400/mm³, which is below the normal range (normal: 4,500-11,000/mm³). This condition, known as leukopenia, significantly increases the risk of infection³. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize monitoring for signs of infection and implementing infection control measures.
Choice D reason: The client's platelet count is 170,000/mm³, which is within the normal range (normal: 150,000-450,000/mm³). Although cisplatin can cause thrombocytopenia, the current platelet count does not indicate an increased risk for bleeding⁴. Therefore, this choice is not correct based on the platelet count provided.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Using chemotherapy instead of radiation may not be a viable option as the treatment plan is based on the type and stage of cancer. Chemotherapy can also affect fertility, so it is not a direct solution to the concern of infertility.
Choice B reason:
Fertility medications during treatment might help preserve fertility, but they do not address the direct impact of radiation on reproductive organs. Additionally, the use of such medications should be discussed with an oncologist and a fertility specialist.
Choice C reason:
Radiation shielding techniques involve using protective shields to limit radiation exposure to the reproductive organs. This can help reduce the risk of infertility caused by radiation, especially when the pelvic area is involved in the treatment.
Choice D reason:
Surgical interventions to remove the cancer may be part of the treatment plan, but they do not directly address the concern of radiation-induced infertility. Surgery can also result in infertility, depending on the organs involved and the extent of the procedure.
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