Exhibits

The nurse reviews the history and physical, the nurses' notes, and the flow sheet to help determine what is causing the client's symptoms.

For each listed finding, click to indicate whether the finding is associated with arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Each column must have at least one response option selected.

A. The woman is timid and speaks softly when asked about the accident: Timid behavior may suggest fear or anxiety, but it's nonspecific and may be due to trauma or emotional distress, not necessarily abuse.

B. Spiral fracture on the woman's arm and wrist: Spiral fractures occur from twisting injuries and are often associated with non-accidental trauma, especially when the injury doesn't match the reported mechanism.

C. The woman is hyperventilating and appears to be in pain: Hyperventilation and visible pain may indicate anxiety or physical injury, but they are expected after trauma and not unique to domestic violence.

D. Fresh bruises on the woman's shoulder and chest: Bruising is a possible sign of abuse, but bruises alone can result from a car accident. The type and location must be assessed in context.

Rationale for Correct Findings:

• Balancing periods of activity with rest: This indicates effective self-management and understanding of a key principle in managing rheumatoid arthritis. Maintaining this balance helps prevent overexertion and joint flares while preserving mobility and function.
• Client reports pain as 1 to 2 on a 0 to 10 pain scale in bilateral hands: The reduction in pain from a previous score of 3 to 1-2 indicates a positive response to treatment. Pain reduction is a key marker of progress in managing rheumatoid arthritis, especially with the initiation of methotrexate.
• She is tolerating weekly medication without side effects: Tolerating methotrexate without side effects is a positive outcome. Methotrexate is a cornerstone treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, and its ability to be well-tolerated suggests good disease control.
• The client is pleased with the improvements: The client’s satisfaction with her treatment and the improvements in her condition demonstrate effective management of her rheumatoid arthritis and a positive response to the prescribed interventions.

Rationale for Incorrect Findings:

• She has continued to garden, but crocheting is too painful: The client’s inability to crochet due to pain suggests that joint function is still limited in certain fine motor activities. This shows that while some improvement has been made, the disease still affects specific functions.
• She recently attended a large family wedding and became fatigued quickly: Fatigue is common in RA and suggests that the client’s energy levels still need better management. Overexertion could indicate a need for better pacing between rest and activity to avoid exacerbating symptoms.
• She has noticed "heartburn" about an hour after using ibuprofen for pain relief: Heartburn is a common side effect of NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which could lead to gastrointestinal irritation. This issue requires attention, as it could progress to more serious gastrointestinal complications.