While assessing a patient with degenerative joint disease, the nurse notices Heberden’s nodes, and large prominences on the patient’s fingers that are reddened and painful.
What should the nurse do?
Discuss strategies for managing chronic pain with the patient.
Check the patient’s radial pulses and capillary refill time.
Immediately notify the healthcare provider of the finding.
Review the patient’s dietary intake of high-protein foods.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Heberden’s nodes are bony swellings that develop at the end joints (distal interphalangeal joints) of fingers, particularly the fingers closest to the nails. They are a characteristic feature of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis causes the protective cartilage in the joints to wear down over time, leading to the development of these bony growths, which can be painful and limit joint movement. Therefore, discussing strategies for managing chronic pain with the patient is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take.
Choice B rationale
While checking the patient’s radial pulses and capillary refill time is a part of a comprehensive physical assessment, it is not directly related to the management of Heberden’s nodes or osteoarthritis.
Choice C rationale
Although Heberden’s nodes are a sign of osteoarthritis, they are not typically an emergency that requires immediate notification of the healthcare provider. They are a common finding in individuals with osteoarthritis and are usually managed with conservative measures such as pain management and physical therapy.
Choice D rationale
Reviewing the patient’s dietary intake of high-protein foods is not directly related to the management of Heberden’s nodes or osteoarthritis. While a balanced diet is important for overall health, it does not specifically address the pain and limited joint movement associated with Heberden’s nodes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Adjusting food intake to three full meals per day with no snacks is not necessarily recommended for GERD patients. Smaller, more frequent meals can help prevent the stomach from becoming too full and causing reflux.
Choice B rationale
Avoiding participation in any aerobic exercise programs is not a general recommendation for GERD patients. While some exercises may worsen GERD symptoms, many forms of aerobic exercise can be performed without triggering symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Sleeping without pillows at night to maintain neck alignment is not typically recommended for GERD patients. Elevating the head of the bed can actually help prevent acid reflux during sleep.
Choice D rationale
Wearing loose, comfortable clothing can help minimize GERD symptoms. Tight clothing can put pressure on the abdomen and the lower esophageal sphincter, potentially causing reflux.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A lumbar puncture is a key diagnostic procedure for suspected bacterial meningitis. It allows for the collection of cerebrospinal fluid, which can be analyzed for signs of bacterial infection.
Choice B rationale
Skull radiography is not typically used to diagnose bacterial meningitis. While it can help identify abnormalities in the structure of the skull or brain, it cannot detect the presence of bacteria.
Choice C rationale
While an MRI can provide detailed images of the brain and surrounding tissues, it is not the primary tool for diagnosing bacterial meningitis. It may be used in conjunction with other tests, but a lumbar puncture is more definitive.
Choice D rationale
A CT scan can be used to detect abnormalities in the brain, such as swelling or inflammation, which could be indicative of meningitis. However, it cannot definitively diagnose bacterial meningitis.
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