Which technique should the nurse use when assessing the client for early signs of rheumatoid arthritis?

Choice A rationale:

Tiotropium is a long-acting bronchodilator, not a rescue inhaler for sudden shortness of breath.

It takes several hours to reach its full effect and is not designed to provide immediate relief during acute symptoms.

Using tiotropium for sudden shortness of breath could delay the use of a more appropriate rescue medication, potentially worsening the situation.

Choice B rationale:

While tiotropium can help reduce mucus production and make secretions easier to clear, this is not its primary mechanism of action.

The client's statement focuses on a potential side effect rather than demonstrating a clear understanding of the medication's intended purpose.

Choice C rationale:

The frequency of inhaler use depends on the specific medications prescribed. Some inhalers are used daily, while others are used only as needed for symptoms.

It's essential to follow the healthcare provider's instructions for each inhaler to ensure proper use and avoid potential drug interactions.

Choice D rationale:

This statement correctly reflects the appropriate use of tiotropium.

It's typically taken once daily via a handihaler device to maintain open airways and prevent COPD symptoms. Regular daily use is crucial for optimal effectiveness.

Rationale for Choice A:

Observing for edema around the ankles is a relevant assessment, but it's not the most crucial one in this context. Edema can be a sign of fluid retention, which is a potential side effect of hydromorphone. However, it's not the most immediate or dangerous concern associated with prolonged hydromorphone use.

Rationale for Choice B:

Counting the apical and radial pulses simultaneously is a technique used to assess for pulse deficits, which can indicate heart rhythm irregularities. While hydromorphone can potentially cause cardiac effects, it's not the most common or primary concern with its use. Other assessments take priority.

Rationale for Choice C:

Measuring the patient's capillary glucose level is important for patients with diabetes or those at risk for hyperglycemia. However, there's no direct link between hydromorphone use and blood glucose levels. This assessment isn't the most relevant in this specific scenario.

Rationale for Choice D:

Auscultating the patient's bowel sounds is the most important assessment for a patient who has been receiving hydromorphone for four days. Here's why:

Hydromorphone is a potent opioid analgesic that can significantly slow down gastrointestinal motility. This can lead to constipation, which, if severe, can progress to ileus (a complete lack of bowel movement).

Ileus is a serious complication that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and even bowel obstruction or perforation if left untreated.

Auscultating bowel sounds helps assess the patient's bowel activity and detect early signs of constipation or ileus. Normal bowel sounds are typically heard every 5-15 seconds. Decreased or absent bowel sounds can indicate decreased bowel activity.

Early identification of constipation or ileus allows for prompt intervention, such as increasing fluid and fiber intake, administering laxatives or stool softeners, and potentially discontinuing or adjusting the hydromorphone dosage. This can prevent the development of more serious complications.

Therefore, auscultating the patient's bowel sounds is the most important assessment for the nurse to complete in this case, as it directly addresses the most significant potential complication associated with prolonged hydromorphone use.