Chapter 38: Assessment and Management of Patients With Rheumatic Disorders
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."
Which client is most likely to develop systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
27 year old black female
Which of the following maybe the first and only physical sign of symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA)?
limited passive movement
The nurse is assessing a client with a history of ankylosing spondylitis. What will the nurse most commonly assess?
low back pain
What intervention is a priority for a client diagnosed with osteoarthritis?
physical therapy and exercise
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 gathering objective data for a client at the clinic complaining of arthritic pain in the hands. The nurse observes that the fingers are hyperextended at the proximal interphalangeal joint with fixed flexion of the distal interphalangeal joint. What does the nurse recognize this deformity as?
swan neck deformity
Which finding is consistent with the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis?
cloudy synovial fluid
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 nurse is assigned to a client with polymyositis. Which expected outcome in the care plan relates to a potential problem associated with polymyositis?
"Client will exhibit no signs or symptoms of aspiration."
The nurse is caring for a client who is being treated for fibromyalgia. What intervention will best assist the client to restore normal sleep patterns?
TCA
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
The nurse is teaching a client about the characteristics of osteoarthritis. How will the nurse determine the client teaching was successful?
Clients may develop Heberden nodes.
A client with osteoarthritis asks for information concerning activity and exercise. When assisting the client, which concept should be included?
Delaying exercise for at least 1 hour after awakening allows the client to participate in exercise after some of the morning-related stiffness has subsided.
A nurse assesses a client in the health care provider's office. Which assessment findings support a suspicion of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
Facial erythema, pericarditis, pleuritis, fever, and weight loss
A nurse is assessing a client with possible osteoarthritis. What is the most significant risk factor for primary osteoarthritis?
age
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?
increasing fatigue
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.
