A nurse is assessing a client's adaptation to a new diagnosis of osteoarthritis. Which of the following client statements should indicate to the nurse that the client is managing the disease?
"I have been taking acetaminophen when my knees start to hurt."
"I've been sleeping on my back with a large pillow under my knees."
"I have been exercising every day, even when I have pain."
"I've been changing my lidocaine patches every 18 hours."
The Correct Answer is A
A) "I have been taking acetaminophen when my knees start to hurt.":
Taking acetaminophen for pain relief indicates that the client is managing the osteoarthritis symptoms appropriately. Acetaminophen is a recommended first-line treatment for mild to moderate pain associated with osteoarthritis and can help improve the client's quality of life by reducing discomfort.
B) "I've been sleeping on my back with a large pillow under my knees.":
Sleeping with a large pillow under the knees can cause the knees to remain in a flexed position for prolonged periods, potentially leading to joint stiffness and worsening pain. This practice is not typically recommended for clients with osteoarthritis as it can exacerbate symptoms.
C) "I have been exercising every day, even when I have pain.":
While regular exercise is beneficial for managing osteoarthritis, it is important to avoid exercising through significant pain. Pain during exercise may indicate overuse or joint damage. Clients should be encouraged to modify their activities to prevent further joint stress and manage symptoms effectively.
D) "I've been changing my lidocaine patches every 18 hours.":
Lidocaine patches are typically designed for 12-hour application periods, followed by a 12-hour off period. Changing the patches every 18 hours may not provide the intended relief and could lead to inconsistent pain management. Proper use of pain management techniques is essential for effective disease management.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Drowsiness: While drowsiness can be a sign of elevated magnesium levels, it is less critical compared to more immediate symptoms like bradycardia. Monitoring and managing drowsiness is important, but bradycardia poses a more immediate risk of severe cardiovascular issues.
B) Diminished patellar reflexes: Diminished reflexes can indicate elevated magnesium levels, but this finding is less urgent compared to symptoms directly affecting heart function. It still needs to be reported but is not the highest priority.
C) Generalized muscle weakness: Muscle weakness is another common sign of high magnesium levels, reflecting the effect of magnesium on neuromuscular function. However, it is less critical compared to bradycardia, which can be life-threatening.
D) Bradycardia: Elevated magnesium levels can significantly impact cardiac function, leading to bradycardia. Bradycardia can be life-threatening, as it may result in decreased cardiac output and potential for severe complications. Therefore, this finding requires immediate attention and should be reported to the provider first.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Painful vesicles along a dermatome:
This finding is typically associated with herpes zoster (shingles), not scabies. Shingles causes painful vesicles that follow the path of a nerve and are confined to one side of the body, which does not align with the presentation of scabies.
B) Acneiform nodules on the face:
Acneiform nodules are related to conditions such as acne vulgaris, not scabies. Scabies does not typically present with acne-like lesions on the face but rather with intense itching and a specific rash.
C) Wheals surrounding raised bite marks:
Wheals and bite marks are more indicative of insect bites or conditions like urticaria (hives). Scabies is caused by mites that burrow under the skin, leading to a different type of rash.
D) Raised, linear burrows:
Raised, linear burrows are characteristic of scabies. These burrows are caused by the female mite as it tunnels just under the skin to lay eggs, resulting in a distinctive rash and intense itching, especially at night.
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