In obtaining the history for the patient with carpal tunnel syndrome, you would expect to note a history of

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Pain and numbness or tingling sensation in the hand (over the palmar surface of the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and lateral aspect of the ring finger) that is worse at night. This symptomatology aligns with the classic presentation of carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a common compression neuropathy of the median nerve at the wrist. Option B) Crepitus is typically associated with joint conditions like osteoarthritis, not carpal tunnel syndrome. Option C) Kyphosis is related to spinal issues like osteoporosis, not carpal tunnel syndrome. Option D) Acute onset of excruciating pain due to uric acid accumulation describes gout, a condition unrelated to carpal tunnel syndrome. Educationally, understanding the specific symptomatology of carpal tunnel syndrome is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals. Recognizing these symptoms aids in accurate assessment, diagnosis, and timely intervention for patients experiencing this condition. This knowledge also contributes to providing appropriate patient education on management strategies and preventive measures.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Avoid sunlight and ultraviolet radiation. Rationale: 1. **Correct Answer Explanation**: Clients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) are photosensitive, meaning exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation can trigger or worsen symptoms like skin rashes, joint pain, and fatigue. Avoiding sunlight and using protective measures such as sunscreen and protective clothing is crucial in managing SLE. 2. **Incorrect Answer Explanation**: - A) Applying ice may provide symptomatic relief for certain conditions like inflammation or pain, but it is not a specific teaching point for clients with SLE. - C) Using assistive devices appropriately is important for clients with mobility issues, but it is not directly related to managing SLE. - D) Changing dressings as prescribed is a general nursing care instruction and not specific to the management of SLE. 3. **Educational Context**: It is important for nurses to educate clients with SLE about the importance of avoiding sunlight and ultraviolet radiation to prevent disease exacerbation. This teaching point can significantly impact the client's quality of life and disease management. Providing comprehensive education empowers clients to take an active role in managing their condition and promotes better health outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Huntington's disease is genetically transmitted. This response is the best choice because Huntington's disease is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder. It is important for the patient to understand that the disease can be passed down through generations due to a mutation in the HTT gene. Option A is incorrect because stating that the son probably has early symptoms without proper genetic testing or evaluation can cause unnecessary distress to the family. It is essential to approach such situations with sensitivity and accuracy to avoid misinformation. In an educational context, understanding the genetic basis of neurological disorders like Huntington's disease is crucial for healthcare professionals. By recognizing the inheritance pattern and the implications for family members, nurses and other healthcare providers can offer appropriate support, genetic counseling, and resources to affected individuals and their families. This knowledge helps in providing comprehensive care and addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of genetic conditions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) To monitor for signs of sufficient tissue perfusion. After a below-the-knee amputation, monitoring tissue perfusion is crucial to ensure that the residual limb is receiving adequate blood flow. Insufficient perfusion can lead to complications such as delayed wound healing, infection, and tissue necrosis. By closely monitoring perfusion, healthcare providers can intervene promptly if any issues arise, thus promoting optimal healing and recovery for the patient. Option A) To attain pain control for phantom pain, while important, is not the major focus immediately post-operatively. Phantom pain may develop later on and can be managed with various strategies, but it is not the primary concern in the immediate post-operative period. Option C) To assist the patient to ambulate as soon as possible is not typically recommended one day after surgery. The priority is to ensure adequate healing and recovery before initiating ambulation to prevent complications. Option D) To elevate the residual limb when the patient is supine is a good practice to promote venous return and reduce swelling, but it is not the major focus in this scenario compared to monitoring tissue perfusion for signs of complications. In an educational context, understanding the importance of monitoring tissue perfusion post-amputation is crucial for providing safe and effective care to patients undergoing such procedures. This knowledge helps healthcare providers prioritize interventions and assessments to promote positive outcomes and prevent complications in the early post-operative period.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Controlling body temperature in a client with a brain infection is crucial to prevent complications. The correct answer is A) Administering prescribed antipyretics. Antipyretics help reduce fever by acting on the hypothalamus to lower the body's temperature set point. This is important because high temperatures can worsen brain swelling and increase metabolic demands. Reducing body hydration (Option B) is incorrect because dehydration can lead to further complications in a client with a brain infection. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining cerebral perfusion and overall physiological functions. Applying ice packs (Option C) is not recommended as it can cause vasoconstriction and potentially worsen cerebral blood flow, leading to adverse outcomes in a client with a brain infection. Keeping the room temperature warm (Option D) is also not ideal because it can exacerbate fever in a client with a brain infection. Maintaining a cooler room temperature can help prevent further elevation of body temperature. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind using antipyretics in controlling body temperature in clients with brain infections is essential for nursing practice. Nurses need to be aware of the implications of fever on neurological conditions and the appropriate interventions to manage it effectively. This knowledge ensures optimal care and positive outcomes for clients with neurological issues.