PrepU Patho Ch 44

A 64-year-old man was diagnosed 19 months ago with bilateral osteoarthritis (OA) in his knees, and has come to his family physician for a checkup. The client and his physician are discussing the effects of his health problem and the measures that the man has taken to accommodate and treat his OA in his daily routines. Which statement by the client would necessitate further teaching?

"I've been avoiding painkillers because I know they can mask damage that I might be inflicting on my knees."

A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about the presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which statement is the nurse likely to make?

"More women than men are affected by lupus."

A nurse is caring for a client with a fractured elbow. Which instruction is important to give the client to prevent cartilage degeneration while the elbow is immobilized?

"To prevent cartilage atrophy, slowly and gradually resume exercising."

A client with confirmed low bone density asks the nurse if there is anything she can to decrease the risk of trauma. The best response would be:

Brisk walking three times per week on a flat surface

Which pathophysiologic phenomeon would be most indicative of ankylosing spondylitis?

Loss of motion in the spinal column and eventual kyphosis.

The nurse is conducting a health promotion class on osteoarthitis (OA). Which statement should the nurse include?

Obesity is a strong risk factor for developing OA.

A 75-year-old female has been admitted to the hospital with a hip fracture. She states, "All I did was fall into my chair, not even very hard." Upon diagnostic testing, the client's bones shows loss of trabeculae from cancellous bone and thinning of the cortex. Which diagnosis is most likely?

Osteoporosis

The client with a suspected diagnosis of osteoarthritis asks the health care provider, "How will this diagnosis be confirmed?" Which response is most appropriate?

Physical examination and x-ray studies

When assessing a client with acute gout, for which of these signs and symptoms does the nurse assess? Select all that apply.

Redness and swelling of the affected joint Pain and swelling in one joint Intake of alcohol

The nurse is providing care for an adult client whose current medication regimen includes calcitonin and a bisphosphonate. The nurse should recognize the likely need for:

bone density testing on a scheduled basis.