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 nurse is assessing a patient for risk factors known to contribute to osteoarthritis. What assessment finding would the nurse interpret as a risk factor?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Risk factors for osteoarthritis include obesity and previous joint damage. Risk factors of OA do not include smoking or hypertension. Incidence increases with age, but a patient who is 58 would not yet face a significantly heightened risk.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is undergoing diagnostic testing to determine the etiology of recent joint pain. The patient asks the nurse about the difference between osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: OA is a degenerative arthritis with a noninflammatory etiology, 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. The diseases are not distinguished by the joints affected and neither has an infectious etiology.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is preparing for discharge. The nurse knows that the patient has understood health education when the patient makes what statement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fever can signal an exacerbation and should be reported to the physician. Sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light may precipitate severe skin reactions and exacerbate the disease. Fatigue can cause a flare-up of SLE. Patients should be encouraged to pace activities and plan rest periods. Corticosteroids must be gradually tapered because they can suppress the function of the adrenal gland. As well, these drugs should not be independently adjusted by the patient.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with an exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been hospitalized on the medical unit. The nurse observes that the patient expresses anger and irritation when her call bell isnt answered immediately. What would be the most appropriate response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The changes and the unpredictable course of SLE necessitate expert assessment skills and nursing care, as well as sensitivity to the psychological reactions of the patient. Offering to listen to the patient express anger can help the nurse and the patient understand its cause and begin to deal with it. Although stress can exacerbate the symptoms of SLE, telling the patient to calm down doesn't acknowledge her feelings. Ignoring the patients feelings suggests that the nurse has no interest in what the patient has said. Offering to get the nursing supervisor also does not acknowledge the patients feelings.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a 78-year-old patient with a history of osteoarthritis (OA). When planning the patients care, what goal should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pain management and optimal functional ability are major goals of nursing interventions for OA. Cure is not a possibility and it is unrealistic to expect a complete absence of signs and symptoms. Adherence to the plan of care is highly beneficial, but this is not the priority goal of care.