ATI LPN
Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition
Chapter 34 : Caring for Clients With Immune-Mediated Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with Crohn's disease, an autoimmune disorder, reports not having had any symptoms of the disease in 8 months. What does the nurse understand this asymptomatic period is referred to?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Periods of remission refer to times when the client has no symptoms. The duration of these periods is completely unpredictable. An exacerbation is periods of acute flare-ups when the client often experiences a low-grade fever, malaise, or fatigue. The client may also lose weight. Other symptoms such as pain and diarrhea can be associated with a flare-up of Crohn's disease. The client is not having an acute inflammatory response that would be considered an exacerbation.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is collecting data from a client with the autoimmune disorder endocarditis. What does the nurse recognize as symptom of an acute exacerbation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Periods of acute flare-ups (known as exacerbations) are completely unpredictable. During acute exacerbations, clients often experience a low-grade fever, malaise, or fatigue. They also may lose weight. A respiratory rate of 20 breaths/minute is within normal range. Constipation and nausea are not characteristic of a flare-up of endocarditis.
Question 3 of 5
A client with rheumatoid arthritis expresses not feeling the need to take medication any longer since being in remission without symptoms. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Even with remission, most people must continue taking prescribed medications to avoid another acute exacerbation. The client should be encouraged to maintain the therapeutic regimen in order to avoid an exacerbation and prolong the period of remission as long as possible. The client should notify the physician if considering discontinuation of the medication. The nurse is not at liberty to allow the client to discontinue medication use. Stating that discontinuing the medication will cause the client to become ill does not provide an adequate explanation to the client.
Question 4 of 5
A client is taking a corticosteroid for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. When the nurse is providing instructions about the medication to the client, what priority information should be included?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Instruct the client about signs and symptoms of and the increased risk for infection. Instruct the client to report signs and symptoms of infection immediately to the physician. Early treatment promotes a shorter duration of illness and reduced complication. Tell the client to avoid high-risk activities, such as being in crowds, during periods of immunosuppression. The client should not omit a dose if nausea is experienced but instead may take the medication with food. There are many side effects and required laboratory work to detect the side effects from immunosuppressive therapy. Joint aches are vague symptoms and are not a priority for reporting purposes.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse has four clients who are scheduled to see the physician for 'fatigue' and other general symptom complaints. Which client does the nurse determine is at most risk for having chronic fatigue syndrome?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Estimates are that as many as 4 million people in the United States have symptoms corresponding with chronic fatigue syndrome, but fewer than 80% have been diagnosed by a medical provider. Most clients who seek treatment for their symptoms are Caucasian women 40 to 59 years of age. CFS also occurs at lower rates among children, adolescents, and men.