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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While lean beef, salads, and baked potatoes can be part of a balanced diet, they do not specifically target the prevention of colon and rectal cancers. Red meat, in particular, has been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Choice B rationale
Potatoes, low-fat breads, and applesauce can be part of a balanced diet, but they do not specifically target the prevention of colon and rectal cancers. A diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is more beneficial.
Choice C rationale
A diet rich in oatmeal, raisins, and fruit with skin is high in fiber and antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancers. This is especially important for clients with a strong family history of these cancers.
Choice D rationale
Chicken, rice, and wheat products can be part of a balanced diet, but they do not specifically target the prevention of colon and rectal cancers. A diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is more beneficial.

A. The patient should eat a diet high in protein and vitamins A and C. B. The patient should keep their legs elevated when sitting or lying down. C. The patient should maintain as much bed rest as possible. D. The patient should inspect their ankles daily for areas of darkening skin. E. The patient should apply intermittent cold compresses four times daily.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A diet high in protein and vitamins A and C can help promote wound healing. Protein is essential for tissue repair, and vitamins A and C play crucial roles in wound healing and immune function.
Choice B rationale
Keeping legs elevated when sitting or lying down can help reduce swelling and improve blood circulation, which is beneficial for healing venous leg ulcers.
Choice C rationale
Maintaining as much bed rest as possible is not typically recommended for patients with venous leg ulcers. Physical activity and movement can help improve blood circulation, which is beneficial for healing venous leg ulcers.
Choice D rationale
Inspecting ankles daily for areas of darkening skin can help detect early signs of worsening venous leg ulcers. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and promote healing.
Choice E rationale
Applying intermittent cold compresses four times daily is not typically recommended for venous leg ulcers. Cold compresses can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the area, which may hinder the healing process.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which group of foods is best for the nurse to recommend for clients with a strong family history of colon and rectal cancers?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is providing discharge teaching to an older patient hospitalized for treatment of venous leg ulcers. What instructions should the nurse include in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

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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?