A nurse is teaching a newly hired group of unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) about infectioncontrol measures on the unit. What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care?

Choice A reason: Administering topical hydrocortisone is the appropriate nursing intervention, because it can help reduce the inflammation and itching of the skin lesions that are common in SLE. SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack various organs and tissues, such as the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. Hydrocortisone is a type of corticosteroid that can suppress the immune response and relieve the symptoms of SLE.

Choice B reason: Applying cold therapy to the extremities is not the appropriate nursing intervention, because it can worsen the circulation and sensation of the fingers and toes that are affected by Raynaud's phenomenon, which is a complication of SLE. Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that causes the blood vessels in the extremities to narrow and spasm in response to cold or stress, resulting in numbness, pain, and color changes. Cold therapy can trigger or aggravate Raynaud's phenomenon.

Choice C reason: Administering antibiotics is not the appropriate nursing intervention, because it is not indicated for SLE, unless there is a secondary infection. SLE is not caused by bacteria, but by the abnormal activity of the immune system. Antibiotics are drugs that can kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, but they have no effect on the underlying cause of SLE. Antibiotics can also have side effects, such as allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, or resistance.

Choice D reason: Encouraging ultraviolet (UV) light exposure is not the appropriate nursing intervention, because it can trigger or worsen the skin lesions and the disease activity of SLE. UV light is a type of radiation that can damage the DNA and the cells of the skin, causing inflammation, redness, and blistering. UV light can also stimulate the production of antibodies and cytokines that can attack the organs and tissues of the body.

Choice A reason: "Tell me about what medications you are taking." is not the most appropriate statement by the nurse, because it is not related to the psychosocial assessment. Medications are part of the physical or pharmacological assessment, which focuses on the type, dose, frequency, and effectiveness of the drugs that the client is taking for rheumatoid arthritis. Medications may have some psychosocial implications, such as side effects, costs, or adherence, but they are not the main focus of the psychosocial assessment.

Choice B reason: "What physical limitations are you experiencing?" is not the most appropriate statement by the nurse, because it is not related to the psychosocial assessment. Physical limitations are part of the functional or mobility assessment, which focuses on the range of motion, strength, endurance, and coordination of the joints and muscles that are affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Physical limitations may have some psychosocial implications, such as pain, disability, or dependence, but they are not the main focus of the psychosocial assessment.

Choice C reason: "How does this impact your role in your family?" is the most appropriate statement by the nurse, because it is related to the psychosocial assessment. Role in the family is part of the social or relational assessment, which focuses on the interactions, responsibilities, and expectations of the client and their family members in relation to rheumatoid arthritis. Role in the family may have significant psychosocial implications, such as role changes, role conflicts, role strain, or role loss, which can affect the client's selfesteem, identity, and coping.

Choice D reason: "What therapies are you using to reduce swelling?" is not the most appropriate statement by the nurse, because it is not related to the psychosocial assessment. Therapies are part of the physical or nonpharmacological assessment, which focuses on the modalities, techniques, or devices that the client is using to manage the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Therapies may have some psychosocial implications, such as availability, accessibility, or preference, but they are not the main focus of the psychosocial assessment.