The nurse is planning education for a patient diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Which risk factors should the nurse include in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply)
History of rheumatologic conditions
Nutritional deficiency
Previous injury to the bone
Deep sleep deprivation
Physical and emotional trauma
Correct Answer : A,D,E
Choice A rationale:
History of rheumatologic conditions: Research has demonstrated a link between fibromyalgia and other rheumatologic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and osteoarthritis. Individuals with these conditions may have a predisposition to developing fibromyalgia due to shared genetic factors, immune system dysregulation, and chronic inflammation.
Choice B rationale:
Nutritional deficiency: While nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamin D, magnesium, and iron, have been associated with fibromyalgia symptoms, there's not enough evidence to establish them as direct risk factors for its development.
Nutritional deficiencies can worsen pain and fatigue, but they aren't considered primary causes of fibromyalgia.
Choice C rationale:
Previous injury to the bone: Past bone injuries typically aren't considered a risk factor for fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that affects muscles and soft tissues, not bones themselves. While pain from an injury might trigger fibromyalgia symptoms, it's not a direct cause.
Choice D rationale:
Deep sleep deprivation: Sleep disturbances, especially disruptions in deep sleep (also known as slow-wave sleep), are strongly linked to fibromyalgia. Deep sleep is crucial for restorative processes in the body, including pain regulation. Insufficient deep sleep can lead to heightened pain sensitivity and contribute to the development of fibromyalgia.
Choice E rationale:
Physical and emotional trauma: Physical and emotional trauma, such as experiencing accidents, abuse, or significant psychological stress, can significantly increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia. Trauma can trigger changes in the brain's pain processing pathways and stress hormone regulation, contributing to chronic pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fever is the most reliable early indicator of infection in a client with low WBC because it is a direct physiologic response to the presence of pathogens. When the body detects an infection, it releases pyrogens, which act on the hypothalamus to raise the body's temperature. This elevated temperature helps to create an environment that is less hospitable to bacteria and viruses, and it also stimulates the immune system to fight the infection.
In clients with low WBC, the immune system is already compromised, so the fever response may be even more pronounced. It's important to note that even a slight elevation in temperature (as low as 100.4°F or 38°C) can be significant in these clients.

Choice B rationale:
Chills can also be a sign of infection, but they are not as specific as fever. Chills can occur for other reasons, such as exposure to cold or anxiety.
Choice C rationale:
Tachycardia, or increased heart rate, can also be a sign of infection, but it is not as reliable as fever. Tachycardia can occur for other reasons, such as dehydration, pain, or anxiety.
Choice D rationale:
Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is not a typical early sign of infection. It is more likely to occur in later stages of infection, when the infection has spread to the lungs.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is A. Exercise.
Choice A: Exercise Exercise is generally beneficial for overall health and is not typically a factor that exacerbates systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In fact, regular physical activity can be an important part of the overall treatment plan for individuals with SLE. It can boost energy levels, improve joint flexibility, and help alleviate stress. Therefore, if a patient with SLE identifies exercise as a factor that can exacerbate their condition, it indicates a need for further teaching.
Choice B: Diet Certain diets can potentially trigger or worsen SLE symptoms. For instance, a chemical found in alfalfa may trigger lupus symptoms, so patients may want to avoid eating alfalfa sprouts or taking supplements with alfalfa. Therefore, diet is a correct factor that can exacerbate SLE.
Choice C: Sunlight Exposure to sunlight can trigger or worsen SLE symptoms. For those with lupus, being in the sun can lead to symptoms like skin rashes, itching, burning, joint pain, weakness, and fatigue. In certain cases, it can also result in damage to internal organs. Therefore, sunlight is a correct factor that can exacerbate SLE.
Choice D: Infection Infections can trigger or worsen SLE symptoms. Rates of infections are higher among persons with SLE compared with the general population. Therefore, infection is a correct factor that can exacerbate SLE.
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