The nurse examines a client's right great toe. The joint is red, edematous, and very painful with limited range of motion. The client's serum uric acid levels are elevated. Which action should the nurse tell the client to make?
Splint the affected joint.
Encourage fluid intake.
Increase Intake of red meat.
Measure urine output.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Splint the affected joint is inappropriate action. While splinting may help stabilize the joint and reduce movement, it may not directly address the underlying cause of the symptoms, which is9levated uric acid levels leading to gout. Additionally, splinting may further restrict range of motion and exacerbate discomfort.
Choice B Reason:
Encouraging fluid intake is appropriate action. Encouraging fluid intake, particularly water, is beneficial for individuals experiencing a gout flare-up. Adequate hydration helps to dilute uric acid in the bloodstream and promote its excretion through urine, which can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further flare-ups. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate action for the nurse to advise the client in this situation.
Choice C Reason:
Increasing intake of red meat is inappropriate action. Red meat is high in purines, which can contribute to elevated uric acid levels and increase the risk of gout flare-ups. Therefore, increasing intake of red meat would not be advisable for someone experiencing gout symptoms. In fact, dietary modifications often involve reducing intake of purine-rich foods like red meat to help manage gout.
Choice D Reason:
Measuring urine output is inappropriate action. While monitoring urine output is important for overall hydration status, it may not be the most immediate or relevant action in this situation. The priority in managing a gout flare-up is to address the underlying cause by promoting uric acid excretion through adequate hydration, rather than solely focusing on measuring urine output.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Chronic pancreatitis is incorrect. Chronic pancreatitis typically presents with persistent, dull abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, often aggravated by eating rather than relieved by it. The pain associated with chronic pancreatitis is not typically described as gnawing or relieved by eating.
Choice B Reason:
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is correct. Peptic ulcer disease involves the development of open sores (ulcers) in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcers) or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). The pain associated with PUD typically occurs in the epigastric region (upper abdomen) and can be described as gnawing, burning, or dull. The pain tends to worsen when the stomach is empty (hunger pains) and is relieved by eating or taking antacids. These symptoms are due to the increase in gastric acid secretion, which exacerbates the ulcer's irritation when the stomach is empty and is neutralized when food buffers the acid. Therefore, the presentation described is consistent with peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
Choice C Reason:
Esophagitis is incorrect. Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus and may present with symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or chest pain behind the breastbone. However, the symptoms described, particularly the worsening of pain when hungry and improvement after eating, are not typical of esophagitis.
Choice D Reason:
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is incorrect. While gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause epigastric discomfort or heartburn, the symptoms described in the scenario are more indicative of pain related to hunger and relief after eating, which is more characteristic of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Additionally, GERD symptoms are typically worsened by eating, lying down, or bending over, rather than improved.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Ask about recent abdominal trauma: in this case, the depressed umbilicus is a normal finding, so no further action related to trauma assessment is necessary.
Choice B Reason:
Palpate the area for masses: Palpating the area for masses is a good practice during abdominal assessments. However, in the context of a depressed umbilicus, this finding is not indicative of an abnormal mass. Therefore, palpation is not specifically warranted.
Choice C Reason:
Document the normal finding: Correct! A depressed umbilicus that lies below the surface of the abdomen is considered a normal variation. Documenting this finding ensures accurate and comprehensive assessment documentation.
Choice D Reason:
Observe the midline for scarring: While observing the midline for scarring is relevant in some situations (such as assessing for surgical scars), it’s not directly related to the depressed umbilicus. Therefore, this action is not necessary based on the specific finding described.
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