What is the nurse's primary consideration when caring for a client with rheumatoid arthritis?

Comfort

Motivation

Surgery

Education

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:
Pain management: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and fatigue in the joints. Pain is often the most debilitating symptom of RA, and it can significantly impact a person's quality of life.

Therefore, the nurse's primary consideration is to ensure the client's comfort by effectively managing their pain. This may involve using a variety of interventions, such as:
Administering pain medications as prescribed Applying heat or cold therapy
Using assistive devices to reduce joint strain
Teaching the client about pain management techniques, such as relaxation exercises and pacing activities
Promoting rest and sleep: Rest and sleep are essential for healing and reducing inflammation. The nurse can encourage the client to rest during the day and to get enough sleep at night.
Creating a comfortable environment: The nurse can help to create a comfortable environment for the client by adjusting the room temperature, providing soft bedding and pillows, and reducing noise and distractions.
Providing emotional support: RA can be a challenging disease to live with, and it can take a toll on a person's emotional well- being. The nurse can provide emotional support by listening to the client's concerns, offering reassurance, and encouraging them to express their feelings.
Choice B rationale:
Motivation is important: While motivation is important for self-management of RA, it is not the primary consideration for the nurse. The nurse's focus is on providing comfort and addressing the client's immediate needs. Once the client's pain and other symptoms are managed, the nurse can then work with the client to develop a plan for managing their RA long-term. This may include providing education about the disease, teaching self-care strategies, and encouraging the client to participate in activities that promote physical and emotional well-being.
Choice C rationale:
Surgery may be an option: Surgery may be an option for some clients with RA, but it is not the primary consideration for the nurse. Surgery is typically considered only after other treatment options have failed to control the client's symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
Education is important: Education is an important part of managing RA, but it is not the primary consideration for the nurse. The nurse's focus is on providing comfort and addressing the client's immediate needs. Once the client's pain and other symptoms are managed, the nurse can then provide education about the disease and its management.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Rationale for Choice A:
Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant medication used to control seizures. It is typically a long-term medication, and abruptly stopping it can lead to breakthrough seizures or worsen existing seizures.
This statement indicates that the client may not understand the importance of taking phenytoin consistently and the potential consequences of discontinuing it without consulting their doctor.

Rationale for Choice B:
Making an appointment with a dentist is important for all individuals, including those with seizure disorders. There is no specific concern related to phenytoin and dental care that would necessitate further teaching in this context.

Rationale for Choice C:
It is important for clients to understand that switching brands of phenytoin might affect its effectiveness due to slight variations in formulation. However, simply stating awareness of this fact does not necessarily indicate a need for further teaching, as the nurse can assess the client's understanding through further questioning.

Rationale for Choice D:
Notifying a doctor before taking any new medications is crucial for individuals with seizures, as some medications can interact with phenytoin and increase the risk of seizures. This statement demonstrates the client's understanding of an important safety precaution.
Therefore, Choice A is the only statement that suggests a potential lack of understanding about the long-term nature of phenytoin treatment and the dangers of discontinuing it without medical supervision. This highlights the need for further education to ensure the client's safety and adherence to the prescribed medication regimen.

A. Loosen the patient's clothing B. Ease the patient to the floor if standing C. Restrain the patient D. Protect the patient's mouth with a padded tongue blade E. Provide privacy

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
Loosening the patient's clothing around the neck and chest promotes easier breathing during the seizure. It also prevents potential injury from constrictive clothing that could restrict movement or circulation.
Choice B rationale:
Easing the patient to the floor if they are standing helps to prevent falls and injuries that could occur due to loss of consciousness and muscle control during the seizure. It's crucial to guide the patient gently to the floor to avoid abrupt movements that could trigger or worsen the seizure.
Choice C rationale:
Restraining the patient during a seizure is not recommended as it can cause harm. Attempting to restrain a patient's movements during a seizure can lead to muscle strains, joint injuries, or even fractures. It can also increase anxiety and agitation, potentially prolonging the seizure.
Choice D rationale:
Protecting the patient's mouth with a padded tongue blade is not necessary and can even be dangerous. It was once a common practice, but it's now discouraged as it can cause oral injuries, obstruct the airway, or induce vomiting.

Choice E rationale:
Providing privacy helps to protect the patient's dignity and reduce any potential embarrassment during the seizure. It also creates a calmer and less stimulating environment, which can be beneficial in managing the seizure.

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What is the nurse's primary consideration when caring for a client with rheumatoid arthritis?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is performing discharge teaching for a client who has seizures and a new prescription for phenytoin. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The client tells the nurse, "I am about to have a seizure." Which of the actions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

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A client has a prescription for seizure precaution. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?