A nurse is teaching an adult client who has been recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?
"When taking leflunomide, expect decreased swelling within 1 week.".
"If acute inflammation is present, apply hot packs directly to the joint for pain relief.".
"Take calcium and vitamin D supplements along with your steroid medication.".
"Make sure your varicella vaccine is up to date.".
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Leflunomide is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used for rheumatoid arthritis, but it does not typically result in decreased swelling within one week. It usually takes several weeks or even months for its full effect to be observed.
Choice B rationale:
Applying hot packs directly to the joint for pain relief is not recommended for rheumatoid arthritis, as heat can exacerbate inflammation. Cold packs or other anti-inflammatory measures are more appropriate.
Choice C rationale:
Steroid medications, such as prednisone, can lead to bone density loss and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements helps to mitigate this risk.
Choice D rationale:
The Varicella vaccine is not directly related to rheumatoid arthritis. It is important for immune support, but it is not specifically required for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL is within the normal range, so there is no need to notify the provider of this finding.
Choice B rationale:
A client's temperature of 37.6°C (99.7°F) is slightly elevated but not considered a critical finding. It may be indicative of an infection or other mild inflammation, but it does not warrant immediate provider notification.
Choice C rationale:
A potassium level of 5.7 mEq/L is above the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Hyperkalemia can lead to serious cardiac complications, such as arrhythmias, and requires immediate attention from the provider.
Choice D rationale:
Weight loss of 0.8 kg/day (1.8 lb/day) should be evaluated and monitored, but it is not an immediate concern that warrants urgent provider notification.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increasing the intake of high-fiber foods is not relevant to managing dry mouth caused by benztropine. While fiber is essential for digestive health, it does not directly address the issue of dry mouth.
Choice B rationale:
Chewing sugarless gum can be helpful in promoting saliva production, but in Parkinson's disease, it can exacerbate swallowing difficulties and increase the risk of aspiration.
Choice C rationale:
Moistening the mouth with lemon-glycerin swabs is the appropriate recommendation. Lemon-glycerin swabs can help lubricate the mouth and provide relief from dryness, which is a common side effect of benztropine, an anticholinergic medication.
Choice D rationale:
Rinsing the mouth with nystatin is used to treat oral candidiasis (thrush), a fungal infection, and is not relevant to managing dry mouth caused by benztropine.
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