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

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.

A. Urine from an indwelling catheter B. Blood for PaCO2 C. Wound drainage for culture D. Random stool specimen E. Random stool specimen

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
Urine collection from an indwelling catheter is a sterile procedure that requires aseptic technique to prevent contamination of the specimen and potential urinary tract infection. Assistive personnel (AP) may not have the necessary training in sterile technique and therefore should not be delegated this task. Additionally, the nurse needs to assess the patient for any signs of urinary tract infection or other complications before collecting the urine specimen, which is within the scope of nursing practice.

Choice B rationale:
Blood collection for PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) is an invasive procedure that requires assessment of the patient's condition, appropriate site selection, and proper technique to ensure accurate results. This task is within the scope of nursing practice and should not be delegated to AP.

Choice C rationale:
Wound drainage collection for culture also requires aseptic technique to prevent contamination of the specimen and ensure accurate results. The nurse needs to assess the wound for signs of infection, choose the appropriate collection method, and ensure proper labeling and transport of the specimen. This task is within the scope of nursing practice and should not be delegated to AP.

Choice D rationale:
Random stool specimen collection is a non-invasive procedure that does not require sterile technique. AP can be trained to collect random stool specimens safely and effectively, following standard precautions for handling body fluids.

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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 teaching a female client who has a new diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The nurse should recognize the need for further teaching when the client identifies which of the following as a factor that can exacerbate SLE?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is providing care for a group of clients. Which of the following specimens should the nurse delegate collection of to the assistive personnel (AP)?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is completing discharge instructions with a client following an acute onset of gout. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the treatment regimen?

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

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