A client with subacute back pain asks the nurse about strategies to help keep the low back pain from becoming chronic.
Which of the following responses is appropriate for the nurse to make at this time?
Try to get plenty of rest every night.
There is nothing that you can do.
It is okay if you take your medication a few hours early if you need to.
Try to maintain good posture and strengthen your core.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While adequate rest is generally beneficial for overall health, excessive or prolonged rest for subacute back pain can actually be detrimental. Prolonged inactivity can lead to deconditioning of core muscles, joint stiffness, and a decrease in spinal mobility, which can contribute to the transition of subacute pain to chronic pain. Moderate activity and movement are generally encouraged.
Choice B rationale
Stating there is nothing a patient can do is inaccurate and unhelpful. There are numerous evidence-based strategies, including exercise, physical therapy, ergonomic adjustments, and lifestyle modifications, that can significantly impact the progression and chronicity of back pain. This response does not empower the patient with self-management techniques or provide accurate information.
Choice C rationale
Adjusting medication schedules without professional guidance can be dangerous and lead to adverse effects, inadequate pain control, or drug dependency. Medications for pain, especially analgesics, have specific dosing intervals based on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to maintain therapeutic levels and minimize side effects. Self-adjusting doses can lead to toxicity or insufficient pain relief.
Choice D rationale
Maintaining good posture and strengthening core muscles (abdominal and back muscles) are fundamental strategies for preventing chronic low back pain. A strong core provides essential support for the spine, improves spinal alignment, reduces mechanical stress on spinal structures, and enhances overall biomechanics during daily activities, thereby mitigating factors contributing to chronicity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Active tuberculosis is primarily transmitted via airborne particles containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Therefore, isolating the client in a private room equipped with negative pressure ventilation is crucial. This system ensures that air from the room is exhausted directly outside or through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, preventing the dissemination of airborne pathogens to other areas and protecting healthcare workers and other clients from exposure.
Choice B rationale
Assigning a client with active tuberculosis to a room with clients requiring droplet precautions is inappropriate. Droplet precautions are for larger respiratory droplets that typically travel short distances, whereas tuberculosis involves smaller airborne nuclei that can remain suspended in the air and travel greater distances. This placement would significantly increase the risk of cross-contamination and disease transmission to other susceptible individuals within the healthcare environment.
Choice C rationale
While masks are essential for airborne precautions, routine use of gowns and gloves for staff and visitors is generally not required for tuberculosis unless direct contact with respiratory secretions or contaminated items is anticipated. The primary mode of transmission is airborne, making respiratory protection the paramount intervention. Over-gowning and gloving unnecessarily consume resources and do not significantly enhance protection against airborne transmission.
Choice D rationale
Modifying the protocol for donning and removing personal protective equipment (PPE) before entering or leaving the client's room is unsafe and increases the risk of contamination. Strict adherence to established PPE protocols, including proper hand hygiene and the correct sequence for donning and doffing, is critical to prevent self-contamination and the spread of pathogens. Any deviation from these protocols compromises safety and infection control efficacy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches (plaques) with well-defined borders, often on extensor surfaces like elbows and knees. It does not typically manifest as a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, differentiating it from the specified presentation.
Choice B rationale
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is an inflammatory skin condition presenting with itchy, red, and sometimes weeping or crusted patches. While it can affect the face, its distribution and appearance do not typically form the classic butterfly-shaped malar rash described.
Choice C rationale
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by systemic inflammation. A classic dermatological manifestation is the "malar rash" or "butterfly rash" over the cheeks and bridge of the nose, resembling a sunburn, which is highly characteristic of the disease.
Choice D rationale
Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition involving inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands, leading to comedones, papules, pustules, and cysts. It typically affects the face, chest, and back but does not present as a distinct butterfly-shaped erythematous rash.
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