chapter 38
A client asks the nurse what the difference is between osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Which response is correct? "OA and RA are very similar. OA affects the smaller joints and RA affects the larger, weight-bearing joints." "OA is a noninflammatory joint disease. RA is characterized by inflamed, swollen joints." "OA affects joints on both sides of the body. RA is usually unilateral." "OA is more common in women. RA is more common in men."
OA is a noninflammatory joint disease. RA is characterized by inflamed, swollen joints." Explanation: OA is a degenerative arthritis, characterized by the loss of cartilage on the articular surfaces of weight-bearing joints with spur development. RA is characterized by inflammation of synovial membranes and surrounding structures. OA may occur in one hip or knee and not the other, whereas RA commonly affects the same joints bilaterally. RA is more common in women; OA affects both sexes equally.
The nurse intervenes to assist the client with fibromyalgia to cope with which symptoms? You Selected:
Chronic fatigue, generalized muscle aching, and stiffness Explanation: Fibromyalgia is a common condition that involves chronic fatigue, generalized muscle aching, and stiffness. The cause is unknown, and no pathologic characteristics specific for the condition have been identified. Treatment consists of attention to the specific symptoms reported by the client. NSAIDs may be used to treat the diffuse muscle aching and stiffness. Tricyclic antidepressants are used to improve or restore normal sleep patterns, and individualized programs of exercise are used to decrease muscle weakness and discomfort and to improve the general deconditioning that occurs in these individuals.
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." "Client will exhibit alertness and orientation to person, place, and time." "Client will exhibit bowel and bladder continence." "Client will lose 2 lb (0.91 kg) per week on a calorie-restricted diet."
"Client will exhibit no signs or symptoms of aspiration." Explanation: An expected outcome of no signs or symptoms of aspiration relates to symmetrical muscle weakness — a potential problem associated with polymyositis that may lead to speaking and swallowing problems. A client with a potential swallowing problem is at risk for inadequate nutrition and shouldn't be placed on a calorie-restricted diet; an expected outcome focusing on maintaining weight would be more appropriate than an outcome based on losing weight. Polymyositis doesn't affect bowel or bladder function or mental status; it isn't necessary to develop outcomes based on these parameters.
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." "SLE is a very serious systemic disorder." "You should discuss that matter with your health care provider." "Tell me more about your concerns about this potential diagnosis."
"The diagnosis won't be based on the findings of a single test but by combining all data found." Explanation: There is no single test available to diagnose SLE. Therefore, the nurse should inform the client that diagnosis is based on combining the findings from the physical assessment and the laboratory tests results. Advising the client to speak with the health care provider, stating that SLE is a serious systemic disorder, and asking the client to express feelings about the potential diagnosis do not answer the client's question.
Chronic fatigue, generalized muscle aching, and stiffness Explanation: Fibromyalgia is a common condition that involves chronic fatigue, generalized muscle aching, and stiffness. The cause is unknown, and no pathologic characteristics specific for the condition have been identified. Treatment consists of attention to the specific symptoms reported by the client. NSAIDs may be used to treat the diffuse muscle aching and stiffness. Tricyclic antidepressants are used to improve or restore normal sleep patterns, and individualized programs of exercise are used to decrease muscle weakness and discomfort and to improve the general deconditioning that occurs in these individuals.
"Your symptoms are a result of your body attacking itself." Explanation: In autoimmunity, the body mistakes its own tissue for foreign tissue and begins to attack it. Symptoms develop as the body destroys tissue. The body is in effect attacking itself. The other statements do not explain autoimmunity.
A nurse assesses a client in the health care provider's office. Which assessment findings support a suspicion of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)? Hypothermia, weight gain, lethargy, and edema of the arms Photosensitivity, polyarthralgia, and painful mucous membrane ulcers Facial erythema, pericarditis, pleuritis, fever, and weight loss Weight gain, hypervigilance, hypothermia, and edema of the legs
Facial erythema, pericarditis, pleuritis, fever, and weight loss Explanation: An autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the connective tissues, SLE causes fever, weight loss, malaise, fatigue, skin rashes, and polyarthralgia. Nearly half of clients with SLE have facial erythema, (the classic butterfly rash). SLE also may cause profuse proteinuria (excretion of more than 0.5 g/day of protein), pleuritis, pericarditis, photosensitivity, and painless mucous membrane ulcers. Weight gain, hypervigilance, hypothermia, and edema of the legs and arms don't suggest SLE.
Scleroderma typically begins with the involvement of which system? Respiratory Integumentary Urinary Cardiovascular
Integumentary Explanation: Scleroderma begins with skin involvement. The disease does not begin with respiratory, urinary, or cardiovascular involvement.
Which of the following disorders is characterized by an increased autoantibody production?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Explanation: SLE is an immunoregulatory disturbance that results in increased autoantibody production. Scleroderma occurs initially in the skin but also occurs in blood vessels, major organs, and body systems, potentially resulting in death. Rheumatoid arthritis results from an autoimmune response in the synovial tissue, with damage taking place in body joints. In polymyalgia rheumatic, immunoglobulin is deposited in the walls of inflamed temporal arteries.
A client is recovering from an attack of gout. What will the nurse include in the client teaching?
Weight loss will reduce uric acid levels and reduce stress on joints. Explanation: Weight loss will reduce uric acid levels and reduce stress on joints. Weight loss will not reduce purine levels, reduce inflammation, or increase uric acid levels.
Fibromyalgia is a common condition that involves generalized muscle aching, mood swings, and loss of balance. pain, viral infection, and tremors. diminished vision, chronic fatigue, and reduced appetite. chronic fatigue, generalized muscle aching, and stiffness.
chronic fatigue, generalized muscle aching, and stiffness. Explanation: Fibromyalgia is a common condition that involves chronic fatigue, generalized muscle aching, and stiffness. The cause is unknown, and no pathological characteristics specific for the condition have been identified. Treatment consists of attention to the specific symptoms reported by the client. NSAIDs may be used to treat the diffuse muscle aching and stiffness. Tricyclic antidepressants are used to improve or restore normal sleep patterns, and individualized programs of exercise are used to decrease muscle weakness and discomfort and to improve the general deconditioning that occurs in these individuals.
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 prednisone penicillamine methotrexate
colchicine Explanation: Colchicine is prescribed for the treatment of an acute attack of gout.
Osteoarthritis is known as a disease that is the most common and frequently disabling of joint disorders. requires early treatment because most of the damage seems to occur early in the course of the disease. affects young males. affects the cartilaginous joints of the spine and surrounding tissues.
is the most common and frequently disabling of joint disorders. Explanation: The functional impact of osteoarthritis on quality of life, especially for elderly clients, is often ignored. Reiter syndrome is a spondyloarthropathy that affects young adult males and is characterized primarily by urethritis, arthritis, and conjunctivitis. Psoriatic arthritis, characterized by synovitis, polyarthritis, and spondylitis, requires early treatment because of early damage caused by disease. Ankylosing spondylitis affects the cartilaginous joints of the spine and surrounding tissues, making them rigid and decreasing mobility; it is usually diagnosed in the second or third decade of life.
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. Explanation: A client with osteoarthritis has increased stiffness in the morning upon awakening. Exercise should be scheduled at least 1 hour after awakening. Exercising in the evening interferes with the client's ability to rest at bedtime.
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 Explanation: The treatment of gout involves managing the acute inflammatory stage, preventing flare-ups, and controlling hyperuricemia. Colchicine, along with indomethacin, ibuprofen, or a corticosteroid, is prescribed to relieve an acute attack of gout. Probenecid and anturane increase the urinary excretion of uric acid, and allopurinol breaks down purines before uric acid is formed.
The nurse is completing a health history with a client in a clinic. What assessment finding best correlates with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis? anorexia and weight loss fever and malaise erythema and edema over the affected joint joint stiffness that decreases with activity
joint stiffness that decreases with activity Explanation: A characteristic feature of osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is joint stiffness that decreases with activity and movement. Erythema and edema over the affected joint, anorexia, weight loss, and fever and malaise are associated with rheumatoid arthritis, a more severe and destructive form of arthritis.
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." Explanation: Clients should avoid fasting, low-carbohydrate diets, and rapid weight loss because these measures increase the likelihood of ketone formation, which inhibits uric acid excretion. Gradual weight loss helps reduce serum uric acid levels in clients with gout.
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? Tolmetin sodium Ibuprofen Celecoxib Piroxicam
Celecoxib Explanation: The COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (Celebrex) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke.
Which points should be included in the medication teaching plan for a client taking adalimumab? The medication is given at room temperature. It is important to monitor for injection site reactions. The medication is administered intramuscularly. The client should continue taking the medication if fever occurs.
It is important to monitor for injection site reactions. Explanation: It is important to monitor for injection site reactions when taking adalimumab. The medication is injected subcutaneously and must be refrigerated. The medication should be withheld if fever occurs.
Which joint is most commonly affected in gout? Tarsal area Knee Metatarsophalangeal Ankle
Metatarsophalangeal Explanation: The metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe is the most commonly affected joint (90% of clients); this is referred to as podagra. The wrists, fingers, and elbows are less commonly affected. The tarsal area, ankle, and knee are not the most commonly affected in gout.
As part of the assessment process for a client suspected of having gout, the nurse evaluated the client's serum uric acid levels. Select the value that is considered above the saturation point for crystal formation. 4.0 mg/dL (0.24 mmol/L) 6.8 mg/dL (0.40 mmol/L) 3.2 mg/dL (0.19mmol/L) 5.4 mg/dL (0.32 mmol/L)
6.8 mg/dL (0.40 mmol/L) Explanation: Hyperuricemia, a serum uric acid concentration above 6.8 mg/dL (0.40 mol/L) can cause urate crystal deposition which can lead to gout.
The nurse intervenes to assist the client with fibromyalgia to cope with which symptoms?
Chronic fatigue, generalized muscle aching, and stiffness Explanation: Fibromyalgia is a common condition that involves chronic fatigue, generalized muscle aching, and stiffness. The cause is unknown, and no pathologic characteristics specific for the condition have been identified. Treatment consists of attention to the specific symptoms reported by the client. NSAIDs may be used to treat the diffuse muscle aching and stiffness. Tricyclic antidepressants are used to improve or restore normal sleep patterns, and individualized programs of exercise are used to decrease muscle weakness and discomfort and to improve the general deconditioning that occurs in these individuals.
A nurse is teaching a client about rheumatoid arthritis. Which statement by the client indicates understanding of the disease process? "It will never get any better than it is right now." "When it clears up, it will never come back." "It will get better and worse again." "I'll definitely need surgery for this."
"It will get better and worse again." Explanation: The client demonstrates understanding of rheumatoid arthritis if he expresses that it's an unpredictable disease characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission. There's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but symptoms can be managed. Surgery may be indicated in some cases.
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."
What is the priority intervention for a client who has been admitted repeatedly with attacks of gout
Assess diet and activity at home Explanation: Clients with gout need to be educated about dietary restrictions in order to prevent repeated attacks. Foods high in purine need to be avoided, and alcohol intake has to be limited. Stressful activities should also be avoided. The nurse should assess to determine what is stimulating the repeated attacks of gout. The other interventions are not appropriate for a client with this problem.
Which of the following is a plasma protein associated with the immunologic reaction?
Complement Explanation: Complement is a plasma protein associated with immunologic reactions. Leukotrienes are chemical mediators from constituents of cell membranes. Cytokines are nonantibody proteins that act as intercellular mediators, as in the generation of the immune response. Prostaglandins are lipid-soluble molecules synthesized from constituents of cell membranes.
Which assessment suggests to the nurse that a client with systemic lupus erythematous is having renal involvement?
Hypertension Explanation: Hypertension is suggestive of renal damage in the client with systemic lupus erythematous.
A patient is hospitalized with a severe case of gout. The patient has gross swelling of the large toe and rates pain a 10 out of 10. With a diagnosis of gout, what should the laboratory results reveal?
Hyperuricemia Explanation: Gout is caused by hyperuricemia (increased serum uric acid).
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. Explanation: Rheumatoid factor is present in about 70% to 80% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but its presence alone is not diagnostic of rheumatoid arthritis, and its absence does not rule out the diagnosis. The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is used to diagnose Sjögren's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus.
A client with rheumatoid arthritis reports joint pain. What intervention is a priority to assist the client?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Explanation: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the mainstay of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis pain. They help to decrease inflammation in the joints. Heat, rather than ice packs, is used to relieve pain. Paraffin baths may also help. Surgery is reserved for joint replacement when the joint is no longer functional; it is not an intervention specific to relieving pain.
Which is the leading cause of disability and pain in the elderly? Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Osteoarthritis (OA) Scleroderma Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) SUBMIT ANSWER
Osteoarthritis (OA) Explanation: Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of disability and pain in the elderly. RA, SLE, and scleroderma are not leading causes of disability and pain in the elderly.
What intervention is a priority for a client diagnosed with osteoarthritis? Allopurinol Hydrotherapy Physical therapy and exercise Colchicine
Physical therapy and exercise Explanation: Clients with osteoarthritis need to maintain joint mobility. To preserve joint function, individuals need to learn appropriate activities. Colchicine and allopurinol are used for gout, not osteoarthritis. Hydrotherapy is not a priority for care.
The nurse knows that a patient who presents with the symptom of "blanching of fingers on exposure to cold" would be assessed for what rheumatic disease?
Raynaud's phenomenon Explanation: Blanching of fingers on exposure to cold is associated with Raynaud's phenomenon.
A client is diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to use to evaluate the client' s stage of disease?
Review the client's medical record. Explanation: The nurse evaluates the stage of SLE and plans appropriate interventions by reviewing the medical record and diagnostic findings of the client. The stage of the disease cannot be established by observing the client's gait, inspecting the client's mouth, or auscultating the client's lung sounds.
Question 14 of 20 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? a weight gain of 2 pounds decreased joint pain ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) increased fatigue
increased fatigue Explanation: Fatigue is common with rheumatoid arthritis. Finding a balance between activity and rest is an essential part of the therapeutic regimen. The client is reporting being able to do ADLs and decreased joint pain. The client's weight gain of 2 pounds does not correlate with self-care problems.
The nurse is assessing a client with a history of ankylosing spondylitis. What will the nurse most commonly assess?
low back pain Explanation: The most common symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are low back pain and stiffness. A red, butterfly-shaped rash on the face and a patchy loss of hair are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. Ankylosing spondylitis does not affect urine output.
A diet plan is developed for a client with gouty arthritis. What should the nurse advise the client to limit the intake of? citrus fruits green vegetables organ meats fresh fish
organ meats Explanation: Gouty arthritis is a disorder of purine metabolism. High-purine foods include organ meats, anchovies, sardines, shellfish, chocolate, and meat extracts. Citrus fruits, green vegetables, and fresh fish are appropriate foods for a client with gouty arthritis.
The nurse is performing a health history with a new client in the clinic. What is the most common reason for a client to seek medical attention for arthritis?
pain Explanation: The symptom that most commonly causes a person to seek medical attention is pain. Other common symptoms include joint swelling, limited movement, stiffness, weakness, and fatigue.
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 Explanation: The goals of osteoarthritis disease management are to decrease pain and stiffness and improve joint mobility. Strategies for remaining active are the most important client focus. The detection of complications, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs management, and prevention of joint deformity are considerations, but not the most important priorities for the client.
