The client with rheumatoid arthritis is having her rheumatoid factor (RF) drawn while she is having a flareup of the disease. Which result is seen in clients with rheumatoid arthritis?

Choice A reason: Inflammation is not an example of a client's primary defense to infection. Inflammation is a secondary defense to infection, which is activated after the primary defense has been breached. Inflammation is a complex process that involves the release of chemical mediators, the dilation of blood vessels, the increase of blood flow, the migration of white blood cells, and the formation of exudate. Inflammation aims to contain, neutralize, and eliminate the infectious agent and to repair the damaged tissue.

Choice B reason: Fever is not an example of a client's primary defense to infection. Fever is a secondary defense to infection, which is activated after the primary defense has been breached. Fever is an elevation of the body temperature above the normal range, which is usually 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius or 97.7 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Fever is a systemic response to infection that is regulated by the hypothalamus, which is the part of the brain that controls the body's thermostat. Fever enhances the immune system's activity and inhibits the growth of some pathogens.

Choice C reason: Phagocytosis is not an example of a client's primary defense to infection. Phagocytosis is a secondary defense to infection, which is activated after the primary defense has been breached. Phagocytosis is a process that involves the engulfment and destruction of foreign particles, such as bacteria, by specialized cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils. Phagocytosis is a type of cellular immunity that eliminates the infectious agent and prevents its spread.

Choice D reason: Intact skin is an example of a client's primary defense to infection. Intact skin is the first and most important line of defense against infection, as it forms a physical barrier that prevents the entry of pathogens into the body. Intact skin also has chemical and biological properties that resist infection, such as the acidic pH, the secretion of sebum and sweat, and the presence of normal flora. Intact skin protects the underlying tissues and organs from infection and injury.

Choice A reason: Stage 1 is a wound that involves only the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. It appears as a nonblanchable redness, warmth, or hardness on intact skin. It does not have any breakage or ulceration of the skin.

Choice B reason: Stage 2 is a wound that involves the epidermis and the dermis, the second layer of the skin. It appears as a shallow, open, reddened ulcer with a partialthickness loss of skin. It may have some serous exudate, but no slough or eschar. It may also present as a blister or abrasion.

Choice C reason: Stage 3 is a wound that involves the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous tissue, the third layer of the skin. It appears as a deep, open, reddened ulcer with a fullthickness loss of skin. It may have some slough or eschar, but no exposed bone, tendon, or muscle. It may also have tunneling or undermining of the wound edges.

Choice D reason: Stage 4 is a wound that involves the epidermis, the dermis, the subcutaneous tissue, and the underlying structures, such as bone, tendon, or muscle. It appears as a deep, open, reddened ulcer with a fullthickness loss of skin and tissue. It has exposed bone, tendon, or muscle, which may be visible or palpable. It may also have slough, eschar, necrosis, infection, or osteomyelitis.