The nurse is providing medication education for a client with osteoarthritis. What teaching should the nurse include in the education?

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.

Choice A reason: This is the priority nursing intervention because it helps to prevent infection, which is a major complication and risk factor for mortality in clients with lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues. Steroids are used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, but they also increase the susceptibility to infection. The nurse should wash their hands before and after contact with the client and follow standard precautions to reduce the transmission of microorganisms.

Choice B reason: This is not the priority nursing intervention, but it is a good intervention to promote the psychosocial health of the client. Lupus can affect the client's selfesteem, mood, and social relationships, especially during a flareup, which is a period of increased symptoms and activity of the disease. The nurse should assist with the enhancement of social wellbeing by providing activities that are appropriate for the client's physical and mental condition, such as reading, listening to music, or talking with friends and family.

Choice C reason: This is not the priority nursing intervention, but it is a good intervention to evaluate the client's coping and support resources. Lupus can be a chronic and unpredictable disease that can cause stress, anxiety, and depression in the client. The nurse should assess the client's support system, such as family, friends, or community groups, that can provide emotional, practical, and financial assistance to the client. The nurse should also refer the client to counseling, support groups, or other services as needed.

Choice D reason: This is not the priority nursing intervention, but it is a good intervention to respect the client's dignity and autonomy. Lupus can affect the client's appearance, mobility, and independence, which can make them feel vulnerable and embarrassed. The nurse should ensure privacy by keeping the door always closed, unless the client requests otherwise, and by knocking and asking for permission before entering the room. The nurse should also cover the client with a blanket or gown and expose only the necessary body parts during assessment or procedures.