ATI LPN
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017)
Chapter 38 : Assessment and Management of Patients With Rheumatic Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
A clinic nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The patient tells the nurse that she has not been taking her medication because she usually cannot remove the childproof medication lids. How can the nurse best facilitate the patients adherence to her medication regimen?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patients pharmacy will likely be able to facilitate a practical solution that preserves the patients independence while still fostering adherence to treatment. There should be no need to change medications, and storing open medication containers is unsafe. Delegating medications to a family member is likely unnecessary at this point and promotes dependence.
Question 2 of 5
A nurses plan of care for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis includes several exercise-based interventions. Exercises for patients with rheumatoid disorders should have which of the following goals?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Exercise is vital to the management of rheumatic disorders. Goals should be preserving and promoting mobility and joint function while limiting stress on the joint and possible damage. Cardiovascular exertion should remain within age-based limits and individual ability, but it is not a goal to minimize exertion. Increasing joint size is not a valid goal.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is providing care for a patient who has a rheumatic disorder. The nurses comprehensive assessment includes the patients mood, behavior, LOC, and neurologic status. What is the patients most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: SLE has a high degree of neurologic involvement, and can result in central nervous system changes. The patient and family members are asked about any behavioral changes, including manifestations of neurosis or psychosis. Signs of depression are noted, as are reports of seizures, chorea, or other central nervous system manifestations. OA, RA, and gout lack this dimension.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis comes into the clinic for a routine check-up. On assessment the nurse notes that the patient appears to have lost some of her ability to function since her last office visit. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assessment in the patients home setting can often reveal more meaningful data than an assessment in the health care setting. There is no indication that assisted living is a pressing need or that the patient would benefit from social work or a support group.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. The patient expresses his intent to pursue complementary and alternative therapies. What fact should underlie the nurses response to the patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A recent systematic review of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) examined the efficacy of herbal medicine, acupuncture, Tai chi and biofeedback for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Although acupuncture treatment for pain management showed some promise, in all modalities the evidence was ambiguous. There is not enough evidence of the effectiveness of CAM and more rigorous research is needed.