Chapter 38: Assessment and Management of Patients With Rheumatic Disorders Prep U

A patient is suspected of having myositis. The nurse prepares the patient for what procedure that will confirm the diagnosis?

Muscle biopsy

A client with degenerative joint disease asks the nurse for suggestions to avoid unusual stress on the joints. Which suggestion would be most appropriate?

Maintain good Posture

A client suspected of having systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is being scheduled for testing. The client asks which of the tests ordered will determine positivity for the disorder. Which statement by the nurse is most accurate?

"The diagnosis won't be based on the findings of a single test but by combining all data found."

The nurse is gathering a health history for a client with osteoarthritis. What clinical manifestation will the nurse expect to find?

early morning stiffness

A client with early stage rheumatoid arthritis asks the nurse what to do to help ease the symptoms of the disease. What would be the best response by the nurse?

"The health care provider could prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs."

A client is experiencing an acute exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis. What should the nursing priority be?

Administering ordered analgesics and monitoring their effects

The nurse is educating a client about the risks of stroke related to the new prescription for a COX-2 inhibitor and what symptoms to report. Which COX-2 inhibitor is the nurse educating the client about?

Celecoxib

A client is being discharged from the hospital after being diagnosed with and treated for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). What would the nurse not say when teaching the client and family information about managing the disease?

If you have problems with a medication, you may stop it until your next physician visit.

A nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client diagnosed with osteoarthritis. What instruction should the nurse give to the client to minimize injury?

Install safety devices in the home.

The client with an inflamed knee scheduled to have an arthrocentesis asks the nurse what the synovial fluid will look like. What is the best response by the nurse?

The fluid will be milky, cloudy, and dark yellow.

A client was seen in the clinic for musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances. The physician has diagnosed fibromyalgia. What would not be a part of teaching plan for this condition?

applications of ice

The nurse is caring for a client with a new onset of gout. What medication does the nurse anticipate will be ordered by the health care provider?

colchicine

The nurse is reviewing the medication administration record of the client. Which medication would lead the nurse to suspect that the client is suffering from an acute attack of gout?

colchicine

A client is being treated for hyperuricemia. Part of the treatment strategy is for the client to avoid contributing factors whenever possible. Which activities might bring on an acute attack?

eating organ meats and sardines

The nurse is discussing life management with the client with rheumatoid arthritis in a health clinic. What assessment finding indicates the client is having difficulty implementing self-care?

increased fatigue

The nurse is completing a health history with a client in a clinic. What assessment finding best correlates with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis?

joint stiffness that increases with activity

A client asks the nurse how to identify rheumatoid nodules with rheumatoid arthritis. What characteristic will the nurse include?

located over bony prominence

The nurse is teaching a client with osteoarthritis about the disease. What is the most important client focus for disease management?

strategies for remaining active

The nurse is working with a client with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). What are the immune abnormalities characterized by SLE? Select all that apply.

susceptibility abnormal innate and adaptive immune responses autoantibodies immune complexes inflammation damage

A nurse is preparing a client with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for discharge. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

"Monitor your body temperature."

A client with rheumatoid arthritis arrives at the clinic for a checkup. Which statement by the client refers to the most overt clinical manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis?

"My finger joints are oddly shaped."

The nurse is teaching a newly diagnosed client about systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE). What statement by the client indicates the teaching was successful?

"The belief is that it is an autoimmune disorder with an unknown trigger."

The nurse is caring for a client with rheumatoid arthritis who suffers with chronic pain in the hands. When would be the best time for the nurse to perform range-of-motion exercises?

After the client has had a warm paraffin hand bath

Which term refers to fixation or immobility of a joint?

Ankylosis

A client is complaining of severe pain in the left great toe. What lab studies that the nurse reviews indicate that the client may have gout?

Elevated uric acid levels

Which is an appropriate nursing intervention in the care of the client with osteoarthritis?

Encourage weight loss and an increase in aerobic activity

A client has a serum study that is positive for the rheumatoid factor. What will the nurse tell the client about the significance of this test result?

It is suggestive of rheumatoid arthritis.

Which joint is most commonly affected in gout?

Metatarsophalangeal

The nurse is discussing the new medication that a client will be taking for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Which disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) will the nurse educate the client about?

Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)

A client with rheumatoid arthritis has infiltration of the lacrimal and salivary glands with lymphocytes as a result of the disease. What does the nurse understand that this clinical manifestation is?

Sicca syndrome

The nurse is reviewing the diagnostic test findings of a client with rheumatoid arthritis. What would the nurse expect to find?

Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate

A client with osteoarthritis expresses concerns that the disease will prevent the ability to complete daily chores. Which suggestion should the nurse offer?

"Pace yourself and rest frequently, especially after activities."

A client with gout has been advised to lose weight. The client informs the nurse of plans to go on a "guaranteed rapid weight loss" plan that involves fasting and heavy exercise. Which response would be most appropriate?

"There might be some difficulties with your plan and fasting."