A nurse is teaching a group of clients about osteoarthritis. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse include in the teaching?
Use Echinacea to manage joint pain.
Maintain a recommended body weight.
Apply ice to the joint before exercising.
Reduce the amount of purine in the diet.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Use Echinacea to manage joint pain:
Echinacea is a natural supplement, but its effectiveness in managing joint pain related to osteoarthritis is not well-established. It's important for individuals to consult their healthcare provider before using any supplements, as they may interact with medications or have other adverse effects.
B. Maintain a recommended body weight.
Maintaining a healthy body weight is an important recommendation for managing osteoarthritis. Excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints, such as knees and hips, which can worsen osteoarthritis symptoms. Losing weight, if necessary, or maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce joint pain and improve mobility in individuals with osteoarthritis.
C. Apply ice to the joint before exercising:
Applying ice can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief, but it's typically used after exercising or during acute flare-ups, not necessarily before exercising. Heat is often recommended before exercise to warm up the joint and improve flexibility.
D. Reduce the amount of purine in the diet:
This recommendation is more relevant for managing gout, a different type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Purine-rich foods can trigger gout attacks but are not directly related to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is primarily related to wear and tear of the joints over time.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) - While VTE can cause leg pain and swelling, the presence of fever, chills, and localized trauma history in this scenario points more toward cellulitis.
B. Cellulitis
The client's symptoms, including pain, swelling, fever, chills, and sweating, are indicative of cellulitis, which is a bacterial skin infection. The history of trauma to the leg (hitting the leg on the car door) could have introduced bacteria into the skin, leading to the infection. The client's diabetes mellitus type 2 also increases the risk of developing skin infections due to impaired immune function and circulation. Cellulitis often presents with localized pain, swelling, warmth, redness, and systemic symptoms like fever and chills. Immediate medical evaluation and appropriate antibiotic treatment are necessary for cellulitis.
C. Arterial insufficiency - Arterial insufficiency typically presents with symptoms like intermittent claudication, rest pain, and non-healing wounds due to poor circulation. The symptoms described in the scenario are more consistent with an acute infection (cellulitis) rather than chronic arterial insufficiency.
D. Thrombocytopenia - Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by low platelet count and does not directly cause localized pain, swelling, and redness in the leg as described in the scenario.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Performing range of motion:
Explanation: Range of motion exercises are important for preventing joint stiffness and muscle atrophy, especially in clients with casts. However, this is not the first priority. Ensuring adequate circulation and perfusion is crucial before initiating any exercises or movements, as compromised circulation could lead to serious complications.
B. Managing pain:
Explanation: Pain management is important for the client's comfort, but it is not the first priority in this context. Assessing circulation and ensuring there are no signs of compromised perfusion takes precedence. Pain management can follow once circulation has been confirmed as adequate.
C. Checking capillary refill:
Explanation: Checking capillary refill is the first priority when assessing a client with a cast. Capillary refill assesses peripheral circulation by pressing on the nail bed and observing how quickly color returns. Delayed capillary refill could indicate compromised blood flow, which is a serious concern and requires immediate intervention.
D. Discussing cast care:
Explanation: Educating the client about cast care is important, but it is not the first priority. Ensuring proper circulation and ruling out any signs of impaired perfusion must be addressed before discussing cast care instructions.
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