While assessing a client with degenerative joint disease, the nurse observes Heberden's nodes, large prominences on the client's fingers that are reddened. The client reports that the nodes are painful. Which action should the nurse take?
Discuss approaches to chronic pain control with the client.
Review the client's dietary intake of high-protein foods.
Notify the healthcare provider of the finding immediately.
Assess the client's radial pulses and capillary refill time.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Discuss approaches to chronic pain control with the client:
This is the correct answer. Heberden's nodes are bony enlargements that can occur in osteoarthritis, particularly in the joints of the fingers. These nodes can be associated with pain. Discussing approaches to chronic pain control with the client is an appropriate nursing intervention to address the client's pain and improve quality of life.
B. Review the client's dietary intake of high-protein foods:
Dietary intake of high-protein foods is not directly related to the management of Heberden's nodes in degenerative joint disease. Pain control and joint protection measures are more relevant.
C. Notify the healthcare provider of the finding immediately:
While it's important to communicate significant findings to the healthcare provider, the presence of Heberden's nodes in degenerative joint disease may not require immediate notification unless there are other concerning symptoms or complications.
D. Assess the client's radial pulses and capillary refill time:
Assessing radial pulses and capillary refill time is not directly related to managing Heberden's nodes in degenerative joint disease. These nodes are primarily a result of joint changes in osteoarthritis.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Assess client for signs and symptoms of upper airway infection:
While upper airway infections can contribute to respiratory symptoms, the client's history of asthma and the exacerbation of symptoms during exercise suggest that asthma management should be a priority.
B. Determine if the client is using an inhaler before exercising:
This is a relevant consideration, and ensuring proper pre-exercise use of bronchodilators (such as an inhaler) is an important aspect of asthma management. However, the question is broader and involves a review of the client's overall asthma management.
C. Teach client to use pursed lip breathing when episodes occur:
Pursed lip breathing is a technique that can help manage symptoms, especially during episodes of bronchoconstriction. However, the focus here is on a more comprehensive assessment and review of the client's routine asthma management.
D. Review the client's routine asthma management prescriptions:
This is the correct answer. The client's reported symptoms during exercise suggest a potential need for adjustments to the routine asthma management plan. Reviewing the client's prescriptions, including the type and timing of medications, can help ensure optimal control of symptoms, especially during physical activity.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Begin continuous observation for transient episodes of neurologic dysfunction:
While continuous observation is important, the priority is to notify the stroke team for immediate assessment and management.
B. Place an indwelling urinary catheter and measure strict intake and output:
Monitoring intake and output is an important aspect of nursing care, but it is not the immediate priority when the client is presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of a stroke.
C. Notify the stroke team to assist with acute assessment and management.
The client's symptoms, including an uneven smile with facial droop to the right side, weaker hand grasp strength on the right, and sudden, severe headache, are indicative of potential stroke symptoms. Quick notification of the stroke team is crucial to facilitate a rapid and comprehensive assessment. Time is a critical factor in the management of stroke, and prompt intervention can improve outcomes.
D. Raise the head of the bed to 30 degrees keeping head and neck in neutral alignment:
While positioning is important for maintaining physiological stability, it is not the immediate priority in the context of a potential stroke. Notifying the stroke team for rapid assessment and intervention takes precedence.
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