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
Allow for frequent rest periods throughout the day.
- 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
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should ensure that the side rails are up on the client's bed. This action is essential for the safety of the client with severe preeclampsia, as it prevents accidental falls or injuries. Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, and it poses significant risks to both the mother and the fetus. By keeping the side rails up, the nurse can minimize the risk of falls and ensure the client's safety while in bed.
Choice B rationale:
Ambulating the client every 4 hours is not appropriate for a pregnant woman with severe preeclampsia. Preeclampsia can cause high blood pressure, swelling, and proteinuria. It is a serious condition that requires close monitoring and strict bed rest to prevent complications such as seizures or eclampsia. Ambulation may increase the risk of falls and is contraindicated in this situation.
Choice C rationale:
Checking the fetal heart rate twice daily is important in the care of a pregnant client with severe preeclampsia. However, ensuring the client's safety by keeping the side rails up on the bed takes priority. While monitoring the fetal heart rate is crucial for assessing the baby's well-being, it does not address the immediate safety concerns of the client, which can be addressed by maintaining the side rails up.
Choice D rationale:
Providing the client with a low-protein diet is not the correct action for a pregnant woman with severe preeclampsia. In fact, pregnant women with preeclampsia are often advised to increase their protein intake to help manage their condition. A low-protein diet can lead to malnutrition and may not provide the necessary nutrients for both the mother and the developing fetus. The primary focus should be on bed rest, monitoring vital signs, and managing symptoms to prevent complications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A is incorrect because the completion of the incident report should not be documented in the client's medical record, but in a separate file for quality improvement purposes.
B is correct because the time the medication was given is an essential fact related to the incident that should be documented in the client's medical record.
C is incorrect because the reason for the medication error should not be documented in the client's medical record, but in the incident report for analysis and prevention of future errors.
D is incorrect because the notification of the pharmacist should not be documented in the client's medical record, but in the incident report for follow-up and corrective actions.
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