A client with rheumatoid arthritis has an elevated serum rheumatoid factor. Which interpretation of this finding should the nurse make?

Confirmation of the autoimmune disease process.

Evidence of spread of the disease to the kidneys.

Indication of the onset of joint degeneration.

Representative of a decline in the client’s condition.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Rheumatoid factor is an antibody that is produced by the immune system and can bind to normal tissues, causing inflammation and damage. Rheumatoid factor is a marker of the autoimmune disease process that underlies rheumatoid arthritis, which is a chronic condition that affects the joints and other organs. A high level of rheumatoid factor can confirm the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and indicate the severity of the disease.

Choice B reason: Rheumatoid factor is not a specific indicator of kidney involvement in rheumatoid arthritis, which is a rare but possible complication of the disease. Kidney damage can occur due to inflammation of the blood vessels, medication side effects, or dehydration. Kidney function can be assessed by other laboratory tests, such as blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and urine analysis.

Choice C reason: Rheumatoid factor is not a direct cause of joint degeneration in rheumatoid arthritis, which is a progressive condition that leads to joint deformity and disability. Joint degeneration can occur due to chronic inflammation, erosion of cartilage and bone, and formation of nodules and cysts. Joint damage can be evaluated by physical examination, x-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Choice D reason: Rheumatoid factor is not a reliable predictor of the client’s condition in rheumatoid arthritis, which is a variable and unpredictable disease that can have periods of remission and exacerbation. The client’s condition can be influenced by many factors, such as age, gender, genetics, lifestyle, and treatment. The client’s condition can be monitored by clinical symptoms, functional status, and quality of life.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Providing the first medication prescribed for pain management is the best intervention that the nurse can implement first, because it can prevent the escalation of pain and reduce the need for higher doses later. The nurse should follow the principles of pain management, such as administering analgesics before pain becomes severe, using a multimodal approach, and individualizing the plan of care.

Choice B reason: Reviewing medical records to obtain pain tolerance expectations is not a priority intervention that the nurse should implement first, because it may not reflect the current pain level or needs of the client. Pain tolerance is influenced by many factors, such as culture, age, gender, and previous experiences, and it may vary from person to person and from situation to situation.

Choice C reason: Waiting until the client is awake before providing pain management is not a recommended intervention that the nurse should implement first, because it can lead to inadequate pain relief and delayed recovery. The nurse should not assume that the client is not in pain because of sedation, but should use other indicators, such as vital signs, facial expressions, and body movements, to assess pain.

Choice D reason: Attempting to obtain a self-report of pain level from the client is not a feasible intervention that the nurse should implement first, because the client may not be able to respond due to sedation. The nurse should use a valid and reliable pain assessment tool that is appropriate for the client's condition, such as the Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) or the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT), to measure pain.

A. Husky voice and complaints of hoarseness. B. Warm, soft, moist, salmon-colored skin. C. Visible swelling of the neck, with no pain. D. Central-type obesity, with thin extremities.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: A husky voice and complaints of hoarseness are not related to Cushing's syndrome, but may indicate a thyroid disorder or vocal cord damage.

Choice B reason: Warm, soft, moist, salmon-colored skin is not a characteristic of Cushing's syndrome, but may be seen in hyperthyroidism or infection.

Choice C reason: Visible swelling of the neck, with no pain, is not a sign of Cushing's syndrome, but may indicate a goiter or thyroid enlargement.

Choice D reason: Central-type obesity, with thin extremities, is a common feature of Cushing's syndrome, which is caused by excess cortisol production or exposure. Cortisol causes fat redistribution to the trunk, face, and back of the neck, while causing muscle wasting and weakness in the arms and legs.

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A client with rheumatoid arthritis has an elevated serum rheumatoid factor. Which interpretation of this finding should the nurse make?

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Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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