The client with RA complains of intensely dry eyes. What does the nurse suspect?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this case, the correct answer is B) Sjogren's syndrome. Sjogren's syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the exocrine glands, leading to symptoms like dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and dry mouth (xerostomia). It commonly coexists with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) due to shared autoimmune mechanisms. Option A) Systemic sclerosis primarily involves fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, not typically associated with dry eyes. Option C) Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that mainly affects the gastrointestinal tract, not causing dry eyes as a primary symptom. Option D) Discoid lupus is a form of cutaneous lupus erythematosus that affects the skin, not typically presenting with dry eyes as a prominent feature. Educationally, understanding the association between RA and Sjogren's syndrome is crucial for nurses caring for patients with autoimmune conditions. Recognizing the overlapping symptoms and conditions allows for comprehensive care planning and timely interventions to improve the quality of life for patients with multiple autoimmune disorders. This knowledge enhances holistic patient care and facilitates early detection and management of potential complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of healthcare and public health, understanding the difference between various terms related to infectious diseases is crucial. In this question, the correct answer is A) A communicable disease. A communicable disease is an infectious disease that can be transmitted directly from one person to another through various means such as physical contact, respiratory droplets, or bodily fluids. This term specifically highlights the ability of the disease to spread from one individual to another, emphasizing the importance of infection control measures and public health interventions to prevent its transmission. Option B) A portal of exit from the reservoir refers to the route through which a pathogen leaves the host's body, not the mode of transmission between individuals. Option C) A susceptible host describes an individual who is at risk of contracting an infectious disease but does not specify the mode of transmission. Option D) A portal of entry to a host is the route through which a pathogen enters a new host's body but does not address direct person-to-person transmission. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of terminology in accurately describing the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases. Understanding these terms not only aids in clinical practice but also in public health efforts to control and prevent the spread of communicable diseases within communities.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of multi-dimensional care, understanding acronyms like CREST is crucial for healthcare professionals. CREST stands for Calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, Esophageal dysmotility, Sclerodactyly, and Telangiectasia, which are key clinical features associated with systemic sclerosis, specifically limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Option A is incorrect because it includes "Telecines" instead of "Telangiectasia," which is the correct term for small dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. Option B is incorrect because it includes "Reverse isolation," which is not a component of the CREST acronym and is not typically associated with systemic sclerosis. Option C is incorrect because it includes "Everted colon," which is not a characteristic feature of CREST syndrome. Finally, Option D is the correct answer as it accurately represents all the components of the CREST acronym. Understanding and recalling acronyms like CREST is vital for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with systemic sclerosis, highlighting the importance of precise clinical knowledge in providing multi-dimensional care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is option A) Paresthesia's. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and eventually joint deformity if not managed properly. Paresthesia, which refers to abnormal sensations like tingling or numbness, is not a typical complication of RA. Option B) Fibromyalgia is a separate condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and is not a direct complication of RA. Option C) Joint deformity is a well-known potential complication of RA due to chronic inflammation damaging the joint tissues over time. Option D) Dry eyes can occur in RA as a part of Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune condition often associated with RA. From an educational perspective, understanding the potential complications of RA is crucial for healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care to patients with RA. By recognizing and differentiating between possible complications, healthcare professionals can tailor treatment plans to address these issues effectively and improve patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of infection control, performing hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care. Hand hygiene is a crucial practice that helps to reduce the transmission of harmful microorganisms from one person to another. Unwashed hands of healthcare workers can easily transfer pathogens to patients, leading to healthcare-associated infections. By consistently performing proper hand hygiene before and after each patient contact, the risk of spreading infections is significantly reduced. Regarding the other options: - Properly disposing of contaminated equipment is important for preventing cross-contamination but does not address the immediate need to prevent the spread of pathogens during direct client care. - Discarding used syringes into appropriate containers is essential for safe disposal but does not directly address the prevention of pathogen spread during client care. - Changing soiled linens is necessary for maintaining a clean environment and preventing the spread of infections, but it is not as immediately effective as proper hand hygiene in preventing the spread of pathogens during client care interactions. Educationally, this question highlights the critical role that hand hygiene plays in infection control practices within healthcare settings. It reinforces the importance of this simple yet powerful measure in preventing the transmission of infectious agents and protecting both healthcare workers and patients. Incorporating this knowledge into training for healthcare personnel emphasizes the significance of adhering to proper hand hygiene protocols to ensure patient safety and reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections.