ATI Adult Medsurg Ch. 88- Rheumatoid Arthritis

A nurse is caring for a client who has rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following laboratory tests are used to diagnose this disease? (Select all that apply.) A. Urinalysis B. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) C. BUN D. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer E. WBC count

A. INCORRECT: A urinalysis is not a laboratory test used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. This test can used for detecting kidney failure. B. CORRECT: ESR is a laboratory test used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. This laboratory test will show an elevated result in clients who have rheumatoid arthritis. C. INCORRECT: A BUN is not a laboratory test used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. This test can be used for detecting kidney failure. D. CORRECT: ANA titer is a laboratory test used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. This laboratory test will show a positive result in clients who have rheumatoid arthritis. E. CORRECT: WBC count is a laboratory test used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. This laboratory test will show an elevated result in clients who have rheumatoid arthritis.

A nurse working in an outpatient clinic is assessing a client who has rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The client reports increased joint tenderness and swelling. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.) A. Recent influenza B. Decreased range of motion C. Hypersalivation D. Increased blood pressure E. Pain at rest

A. CORRECT: Exacerbating factors, such as a recent illness, are indicative of RA. B. CORRECT: Decreased range of motion is indicative of RA. C. INCORRECT: Xerostomia is indicative of RA. D. INCORRECT: Blood pressure changes are not indicative of RA. E. CORRECT: Pain at rest is characteristic of RA.

A nurse is providing information to a client newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate? A. "You may experience morning stiffness when you get out bed." B. "You may experience abdominal pain." C. "You may experience weight gain." D. "You may experience low blood sugar."

A. CORRECT: The client can experience stiffness in her joints upon rising. This is an appropriate statement for the nurse to give. B. INCORRECT: This is not an appropriate statement for the nurse to give. The client who has RA may experience pleuritic pain (upon inspiration). C. INCORRECT: This is not an appropriate statement for the nurse to give. The client who has RA may experience weight loss. D. INCORRECT: This is not an appropriate statement for the nurse to give. The client who has RA does not experience a low blood sugar.