A nurse is assessing a client with suspected Ankylosing Spondylitis.
The client complains of lower back pain and stiffness that worsens in the morning or after periods of inactivity but improves with physical activity.
Which statement accurately describes the hallmark symptom of Ankylosing Spondylitis?

"My pain is constant throughout the day.”

"My pain is worse with physical activity.”

"My pain is relieved by heat therapy.”

"My pain radiates to my buttocks.”

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

The hallmark symptom of Ankylosing Spondylitis is lower back pain and stiffness that worsens in the morning or after periods of inactivity but improves with physical activity.

This is known as inflammatory back pain, which is characteristic of Ankylosing Spondylitis.

The pain is typically most severe in the morning and gradually improves with activity as the day progresses.

This pattern is due to the inflammatory nature of the condition, and it distinguishes Ankylosing Spondylitis from other causes of lower back pain.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is incorrect.

Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis typically worsens with inactivity and improves with physical activity, which is the opposite of what is described here.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is incorrect.

Heat therapy may provide some temporary relief for muscle tension or minor aches, but it is not the primary method of relieving pain associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is incorrect.

Pain radiating to the buttocks is not the hallmark symptom of Ankylosing Spondylitis.

While some individuals with the condition may experience radiating pain, it is not the defining characteristic of the disease.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the client to avoid physical activity is not an appropriate intervention.

Physical activity and exercise, including range of motion exercises, are essential in managing Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Inactivity can worsen symptoms and lead to further stiffness.

Choice B rationale:

Recommending surgery to correct the spine's limited range of motion is not typically the first step in managing Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Surgery may be considered in severe cases with spinal deformities, but it is not the initial intervention.

Choice C rationale:

Assisting the client in performing range of motion exercises and physical therapy is an appropriate nursing intervention.

These exercises help maintain and improve flexibility, reduce pain, and slow the progression of the disease.

Physical therapy is a key component of Ankylosing Spondylitis management.

Choice D rationale:

Administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as prescribed can help manage pain and inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis, but it is not a nursing intervention related to improving range of motion.

It is essential to combine NSAID therapy with exercise and physical therapy for optimal management of the condition.

Questions

A. "The inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis primarily occurs in the peripheral joints.” B. "Immune cells infiltrate muscles, leading to muscle wasting in Ankylosing Spondylitis.” C. "Pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-17 contribute to inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis.” D. "The chronic inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis causes cartilage regeneration.”

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

"The inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis primarily occurs in the peripheral joints." Rationale: This statement is incorrect.

Ankylosing Spondylitis primarily affects the axial skeleton, including the spine and sacroiliac joints.

Peripheral joint involvement is less common and usually occurs in the later stages of the disease.

Choice B rationale:

"Immune cells infiltrate muscles, leading to muscle wasting in Ankylosing Spondylitis." Rationale: This statement is not accurate.

Ankylosing Spondylitis primarily involves inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints, rather than muscle tissue.

Muscle wasting is not a characteristic feature of AS.

Choice C rationale:

"Pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-17 contribute to inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis." Rationale: This statement is correct.

Ankylosing Spondylitis is associated with increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-17 (IL-17).

These cytokines play a key role in the inflammation and tissue damage seen in AS.

Choice D rationale:

"The chronic inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis causes cartilage regeneration." Rationale: This statement is not accurate.

Chronic inflammation in AS can lead to structural damage and fusion of the spinal vertebrae (ankylosis), but it does not promote cartilage regeneration.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

During a nursing assessment of a client with Ankylosing Spondylitis, the nurse notes limited range of motion in the client's spine, resulting in decreased flexibility.Which nursing intervention is appropriate for this client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with Ankylosing Spondylitis is curious about the disease's pathophysiology.What explanation by the nurse is correct?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with Ankylosing Spondylitis is at risk for which of the following complications?

A client with Ankylosing Spondylitis asks the nurse about treatment options. What should the nurse include in the response?

A nurse is assessing a patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis.Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply).

A nurse is discussing the causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis with a patient.Which statement accurately describes a risk factor associated with this condition?

A nurse is assessing a patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis.Select all the appropriate nursing interventions for this patient.

During a nursing assessment of a client with Ankylosing Spondylitis, the nurse observes that the client is experiencing buttock pain and stiffness that may radiate to the hips and thighs.Which statement made by the client aligns with the symptom of sacroiliitis associated with this condition?

A nurse is educating a client about the pharmacological management of Ankylosing Spondylitis.Which class of medications is considered the first-line treatment to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in this condition?

A client with Ankylosing Spondylitis asks the nurse about treatment options.What should the nurse include in the response?