An elderly patient with osteoarthritis is experiencing increased pain and stiffness in their right knee.
What pathological condition should the nurse identify as the cause of these symptoms?
Degradation of joint cartilage.
A systemic inflammatory response.
An infectious process in the synovial fluid.
A decrease in bone mineral density.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease in which the tissues in the joint, including the cartilage, break down over time. The degradation of joint cartilage is the primary pathological condition that leads to the symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as increased pain and stiffness.
Choice B rationale
A systemic inflammatory response is not the primary cause of osteoarthritis. While inflammation can occur in the affected joint, osteoarthritis is not a systemic inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis.
Choice C rationale
An infectious process in the synovial fluid is not typically associated with osteoarthritis. Infections can lead to a different type of arthritis known as septic arthritis.
Choice D rationale
A decrease in bone mineral density is associated with osteoporosis, not osteoarthritis. In osteoarthritis, the issue is primarily with the degradation of cartilage, not a loss of bone density.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While the client’s healthcare power of attorney is important information, it is not the most critical piece of information to report in this situation. The immediate concern is the client’s change in mental status and potential medical emergency.
Choice B rationale
The nurse should be aware of the client’s currently prescribed medications, but this information does not take precedence over the client’s sudden onset of confusion and agitation. Immediate action is needed to address the client’s altered mental status.
Choice C rationale
While the reason for the client’s admission is important background information, it is not the most urgent information to report in this situation. The priority is addressing the client’s acute change in mental status.
Choice D rationale
Increasing confusion and agitation in a client who recently underwent ORIF of the right femur is a significant change in condition and may indicate a medical emergency such as infection, delirium, or other complications. This information should be provided first to alert the healthcare provider to the client’s immediate needs.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While advising family members to monitor for symptoms of illness is important, it’s not the most crucial action for the nurse to take immediately after testing the patient for COVID-194.
Choice B rationale
Implementing droplet precautions, placing the patient in a private room, and keeping the door closed is the most crucial action. This helps prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 to other patients and healthcare workers.
Choice C rationale
Informing the patient to notify others about potential exposure is important, but it’s not the most crucial action immediately after testing.
Choice D rationale
Initiating an IV infusion for the administration of an antiviral drug is not the most crucial action. Antiviral medication is typically administered after a positive test result, not before.
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