A nurse is planning care for a client who has rheumatoid arthritis and has moderate to severe pain in multiple joints. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Perform ADLs for the client to promote rest.
Allow for frequent rest periods throughout the day.
Use heat to reduce joint inflammation.
Develop a daily schedule for acetaminophen up to 6 g/day that covers peak periods of pain.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Perform ADLs for the client to promote rest. This is incorrect because performing ADLs for the client can increase their dependence and decrease their self-esteem. The nurse should encourage the client to perform ADLs as much as possible, with assistance as needed, to maintain their function and mobility.
B. Allow for frequent rest periods throughout the day. This is correct because rest periods can help reduce fatigue and pain, as well as prevent joint damage and inflammation. The nurse should balance rest and activity for the client and avoid overexertion.
C. Use heat to reduce joint inflammation. This is incorrect because heat can increase inflammation and pain in acute rheumatoid arthritis. The nurse should use cold applications to reduce swelling and inflammation in acute episodes, and use heat for chronic stiffness and pain.
D. Develop a daily schedule for acetaminophen up to 6 g/day that covers peak periods of pain. This is incorrect because acetaminophen has a maximum daily dose of 4 g/day, and exceeding this dose can cause liver toxicity. The nurse should monitor the client's liver function and use other analgesics as prescribed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This is correct because discomfort while walking can indicate genital trauma or infection, which are possible signs of sexual abuse.
B. This is incorrect because thin extremities can be caused by many factors, such as malnutrition, genetic disorders, or chronic diseases, that are not necessarily related to sexual abuse.
C. This is incorrect because bruises on the upper back can result from accidental injuries, such as falls or bumps, or from physical abuse, such as hitting or kicking, but not specifically from sexual abuse.
D. This is incorrect because a stained shirt can be due to poor hygiene, food spills, or environmental factors, but not necessarily from sexual abuse.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
An antibiotic that can cause nephrotoxicity is an antibiotic that can damage the kidneys, which are the organs that filter the blood and remove waste products and excess fluid from the body. Some examples of nephrotoxic antibiotics are aminoglycosides, vancomycin, amphotericin B, and sulfonamides.
Serum creatinine is a laboratory value that measures the amount of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by the breakdown of muscle tissue and is normally excreted by the kidneys. A high serum creatinine level indicates that the kidneys are not functioning properly and are unable to filter out the creatinine from the blood.
Before administering an antibiotic that can cause nephrotoxicity, it is important for the practical nurse (PN) to review the serum creatinine level of the client, as it reflects the kidney function and the risk of nephrotoxicity. A normal serum creatinine level ranges from 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for men and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for women. If the serum creatinine level is elevated, it may indicate that the client has impaired kidney function or is developing nephrotoxicity from the antibiotic. In this case, the PN should notify the primary healthcare provider and monitor the client for signs and symptoms of nephrotoxicity, such as decreased urine output, edema, hypertension, or electrolyte imbalances .
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