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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Facial puffiness and periorbital edema:
These are common signs of hypothyroidism but may not require immediate action unless accompanied by severe symptoms.
B. Cold and dry skin:
Cold and dry skin is a characteristic feature of hypothyroidism, but a further decline in the level of consciousness is a more urgent issue.
C. Further decline in the level of consciousness.
A decline in the level of consciousness is a critical sign that requires immediate attention, as it may indicate worsening hypothyroidism, myxedema coma, or other serious complications. Myxedema coma is a life-threatening condition associated with severe hypothyroidism, and it requires prompt medical intervention.
D. Hematocrit of 30% (0.30):
While anemia is a potential complication of hypothyroidism, a hematocrit of 30% alone may not be the most immediate concern compared to a decline in the level of consciousness.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Guidelines for oxygen use:
While guidelines for oxygen use are important, addressing the root cause of the respiratory condition, which includes smoking cessation, is crucial for long-term management.
B. Methods for weight loss:
Obesity can contribute to respiratory issues, but in the immediate context of emphysema exacerbation and the need for oxygen therapy, smoking cessation is a more urgent concern.
C. Approaches to conserve energy:
Conserving energy is important for clients with emphysema, but addressing the impact of smoking on respiratory function is a more immediate priority.
D. Strategies for smoking cessation.
Smoking is a major contributor to the progression of emphysema and exacerbation of respiratory symptoms. Addressing smoking cessation is crucial in improving the client's respiratory function and overall health. Continuing to smoke can exacerbate emphysema and compromise the effectiveness of other interventions, including oxygen therapy.
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