What nursing intervention is appropriate for a client with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?

Choice A reason: Polyuria is the production of abnormally large amounts of urine, which can be caused by various factors, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or diuretics. Polyuria is not an expected finding in a client with inflammation, which is the body's response to injury or infection. Inflammation does not affect the urinary system directly, unless the inflammation is located in the kidneys or bladder.

Choice B reason: Edema is the swelling of tissues due to excess fluid accumulation, which can be caused by various factors, such as heart failure, liver disease, or venous insufficiency. Edema is not an expected finding in a client with inflammation, which is the body's response to injury or infection. Inflammation does not cause fluid retention, but rather fluid leakage from the blood vessels into the interstitial spaces.

Choice C reason: Heat is an expected finding in a client with inflammation, which is the body's response to injury or infection. Heat is caused by the increased blood flow to the inflamed area, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissues. Heat also helps to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms that may cause infection.

Choice D reason: Erythema is an expected finding in a client with inflammation, which is the body's response to injury or infection. Erythema is the redness of the skin due to the dilation of the blood vessels in the inflamed area, which increases the blood flow and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissues. Erythema also helps to signal the presence of inflammation and attract immune cells to the site.

Choice E reason: Pain is an expected finding in a client with inflammation, which is the body's response to injury or infection. Pain is caused by the stimulation of the nerve endings by chemical mediators, such as histamine, prostaglandins, and bradykinin, that are released by the inflamed tissues. Pain also helps to alert the client of the injury or infection and to limit the movement or use of the affected area.

Choice A reason: This is not the priority assessment because peripheral edema is not a lifethreatening complication of immobility. Peripheral edema is the swelling of the lower extremities due to fluid accumulation. It can be caused by various factors, such as venous insufficiency, heart failure, kidney disease, or medication side effects. The nurse should monitor the client's fluid status and provide elevation and compression therapy as needed.

Choice B reason: This is the priority assessment because lung sounds can indicate the presence of respiratory complications, such as pneumonia or atelectasis, which are common and serious consequences of immobility. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation, mucus production, and impaired gas exchange. Atelectasis is the collapse of alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs that facilitate oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. The nurse should auscultate the client's lung sounds regularly and report any abnormal findings, such as crackles, wheezes, or diminished breath sounds. The nurse should also encourage the client to cough, deep breathe, and use incentive spirometry to prevent or treat respiratory problems.

Choice C reason: This is not the priority assessment because bowel sounds can reflect the status of the gastrointestinal system, which is not directly affected by immobility. Bowel sounds are the noises produced by the movement of food and gas through the intestines. They can vary in frequency and intensity depending on the client's diet, activity, and medications. The nurse should auscultate the client's bowel sounds and assess for any signs of constipation, diarrhea, or obstruction. The nurse should also promote the client's bowel function by providing adequate hydration, fiber, and laxatives as ordered.

Choice D reason: This is not the priority assessment because skin turgor can indicate the level of hydration, which is not a primary concern of immobility. Skin turgor is the elasticity of the skin that allows it to return to its normal shape after being pinched or pulled. It can be affected by factors such as age, weight loss, dehydration, or edema. The nurse should assess the client's skin turgor and provide adequate fluids and electrolytes as needed. The nurse should also pay attention to the client's skin integrity and prevent or treat any pressure ulcers or wounds that may result from immobility.