A patient has recently been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and is discussing self-care strategies with the nurse. Which statement from the patient suggests a need for further review of the material?
Planning my activities will help prevent fatigue.
Rest time will have to become a priority.
I can continue to sunbathe.
I will avoid direct sunlight as much as possible.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Planning activities to prevent fatigue is a valid self-care strategy for SLE patients. Fatigue is a common symptom of SLE, and it can be exacerbated by overexertion. By planning activities and pacing themselves, patients can help to manage their fatigue and conserve energy.
Fatigue management strategies include:
Prioritizing tasks and delegating when possible.
Breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. Taking frequent rest breaks throughout the day.
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Engaging in moderate exercise, as tolerated.
Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can interfere with sleep.
Addressing any underlying health conditions that may be contributing to fatigue, such as anemia or depression.
Choice B rationale:
Prioritizing rest is another essential self-care strategy for SLE patients. Rest allows the body to conserve energy and repair itself. Patients with SLE may need more rest than healthy individuals, especially during flares.
Resting strategies include:
Getting enough sleep at night. Napping during the day, as needed.
Taking breaks from activities throughout the day.
Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation.
Choice C rationale:
Sunbathing is not recommended for SLE patients, as it can trigger flares. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage skin cells and exacerbate inflammation in SLE patients. This can lead to a flare-up of symptoms, such as skin rash, joint pain, and fatigue.
Sun protection strategies include:
Avoiding direct sunlight, especially during the middle of the day when UV rays are strongest. Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats.
Using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on a daily basis.
Applying sunscreen liberally and reapplying it every two hours, or more often if sweating or swimming.
Choice D rationale:
Avoiding direct sunlight is a correct self-care strategy for SLE patients.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Clarify that these precautions are mandated by law.
While it's important to acknowledge the legal requirements for Contact Precautions, this approach alone may not adequately address the family's emotional concerns and fears. It could potentially increase their anxiety if they feel forced to visit without understanding the reasons behind the precautions.
Choice B: Emphasize the importance of their visit to the patient.
While family support is crucial for the patient's well-being, emphasizing the importance of their visit without addressing their fears could inadvertently pressure them to visit without feeling comfortable or confident in their ability to protect themselves.
Choice C: Assure the family that they will not contract the infection.
It's not always possible to guarantee that the family won't contract the infection. Making such assurances could create a false sense of security and potentially lead to lapses in infection control practices.
Choice D: Demonstrate to the family how to prevent the spread of the disease.
Empowering the family through education and demonstration is the most effective approach. It addresses their concerns directly, promotes understanding, and instills confidence in their ability to protect themselves while visiting.
Key elements of this demonstration include:
Proper hand hygiene techniques
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and gowns Safe handling of potentially contaminated items
Maintaining a safe distance from the patient when appropriate Understanding the modes of transmission for the specific disease
By providing clear guidance and allowing for practice, the nurse can help the family feel more comfortable and confident in their ability to visit safely.
Additional considerations:
Addressing the family's emotional concerns: Acknowledge their fears and provide reassurance in a compassionate and understanding manner.
Tailoring education to the family's level of understanding: Use simple language and visual aids as needed.
Encouraging questions and open communication: Create a supportive environment where the family feels comfortable asking questions and expressing their concerns.
Collaborating with other healthcare professionals: Involve infection control specialists or other relevant team members to provide additional support and expertise.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Leukocyte-poor packed red blood cells (LP-PRBCs) have a significantly reduced number of white blood cells (WBCs), also known as leukocytes. This is crucial for pre-transplant patients like the one in the question for several reasons:
Prevention of Alloimmunization: WBCs in blood transfusions carry human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), which are proteins on the surface of cells that play a role in the immune system. Exposure to foreign HLAs can cause the recipient's immune system to develop antibodies against them, a process called alloimmunization. These antibodies can then attack and damage the transplanted kidney, leading to rejection. By reducing the number of WBCs in the transfusion, LP-PRBCs significantly lower the risk of alloimmunization.
Reduced Incidence of Febrile Non-Hemolytic Transfusion Reactions (FNHTRs): FNHTRs are the most common type of transfusion reaction, characterized by fever, chills, and occasionally other symptoms like nausea and vomiting. They are thought to be caused by cytokines released from WBCs in the transfused blood. LP-PRBCs, with their reduced WBC content, have been shown to lower the incidence of FNHTRs.
Potential Benefits for Graft Survival: Some studies have suggested that the use of LP-PRBCs for transfusions may improve long-term graft survival rates in kidney transplant patients, although more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is incorrect. While LP-PRBCs may have some advantages in terms of absorption or utilization, this is not the primary reason for their use in pre-transplant patients. The main goal is to reduce the risk of alloimmunization and other transfusion-related complications.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is partially correct. LP-PRBCs do tend to cause fewer blood reactions, particularly FNHTRs, as explained in the rationale for Choice A. However, this is not the most comprehensive or accurate explanation for their use in pre-transplant patients.
Choice D rationale:
This statement is not directly relevant to the use of LP-PRBCs in pre-transplant patients. While LP-PRBCs may have a lower risk of hemolysis, this is not the primary reason for their use in this specific context.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.