During a follow-up visit to a patient with acute osteomyelitis treated with IV antibiotics, the home health nurse is told by the patient's wife that she can hardly get the patient to eat because his mouth is so sore. In assessing the patient's mouth, what should the nurse expect to find?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) White, curdlike membranous lesions of the mucosa. These lesions are characteristic of oral candidiasis, a common fungal infection seen in patients receiving prolonged antibiotic therapy, like the IV antibiotics the patient is on for osteomyelitis. These lesions may cause pain and discomfort in the mouth, leading to decreased appetite. Option A) A dry, cracked tongue with a central furrow is indicative of dehydration and not specifically related to the patient's situation with soreness in the mouth. Option C) Ulcers of the mouth and lips surrounded by a reddened base are more indicative of conditions like herpes simplex virus or aphthous ulcers rather than the fungal infection seen in the patient. Option D) Single or clustered vesicles on the tongue and buccal mucosa are more characteristic of viral infections like herpes simplex or varicella-zoster rather than the fungal infection seen in this case. Educationally, understanding the oral manifestations of common infections in patients on specific treatments is crucial for nurses to provide appropriate care and support. Recognizing these signs aids in timely intervention and symptom management, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Aquatic exercises. In patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), aquatic exercises are one of the most effective methods of aerobic exercise due to the buoyancy of water reducing stress on the joints. This low-impact environment allows for increased range of motion and improved flexibility without causing excessive strain on the joints affected by RA. Option A) Ballet dancing is high-impact and can put significant stress on the joints, potentially worsening RA symptoms. Option B) Casual walking, while generally a good form of exercise, may not provide the same benefits for RA patients as aquatic exercises due to the impact on weight-bearing joints. Option D) Low-impact aerobic exercises are beneficial, but aquatic exercises offer the added advantage of decreased joint stress due to the water's buoyancy. Educationally, it's important for healthcare providers to understand the specific needs of patients with RA when recommending exercise. By selecting aquatic exercises as the most effective method of aerobic exercise for RA patients, it demonstrates a tailored approach to promoting physical activity while considering the limitations imposed by the condition. This rationale reinforces the importance of individualized care in managing RA and promoting overall health and well-being.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In assessing a patient diagnosed with fibromyalgia, the nurse should expect the patient to report nonrestorative sleep with resulting fatigue. This is the correct answer because one of the hallmark symptoms of fibromyalgia is chronic widespread pain accompanied by fatigue and sleep disturbances. Patients with fibromyalgia often experience difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and feeling refreshed upon waking, leading to daytime fatigue and lethargy. Option A, generalized muscle twitching and spasms, is incorrect because these symptoms are not typically associated with fibromyalgia. Option C, profound and progressive muscle weakness that limits ADLs, is also incorrect as fibromyalgia does not cause muscle weakness but rather widespread pain and fatigue. Option D, widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by inflammation and fever, is incorrect because fibromyalgia does not involve inflammation or fever, distinguishing it from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Educationally, understanding the characteristic symptoms of fibromyalgia is crucial for nurses to provide appropriate care and support to patients. By recognizing the key features of fibromyalgia, nurses can effectively assess, educate, and implement interventions to help manage the chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances experienced by patients with this condition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.