A nurse is assessing a patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply).
Limited range of motion in the spine.
Pain and stiffness in the back and pelvis.
Swelling and redness in the fingers and toes.
Fatigue and muscle weakness.
Skin rashes and lesions.
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Choice A rationale:
"Limited range of motion in the spine." Rationale: Limited range of motion in the spine is a common clinical manifestation of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).
The inflammation and eventual fusion of the spinal vertebrae can lead to stiffness and reduced flexibility in the spine.
Choice B rationale:
"Pain and stiffness in the back and pelvis." Rationale: Pain and stiffness in the back and pelvis are hallmark symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
These symptoms are typically worse in the morning and improve with physical activity.
Choice C rationale:
"Swelling and redness in the fingers and toes." Rationale: Swelling and redness in the fingers and toes are not typical clinical manifestations of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
These symptoms are more characteristic of other rheumatic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Choice D rationale:
"Fatigue and muscle weakness." Rationale: Fatigue and muscle weakness can be associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis, especially when the disease is active.
Chronic inflammation and pain can lead to fatigue, and muscle weakness may occur as a result of reduced physical activity.
Choice E rationale:
"Skin rashes and lesions." Rationale: Skin rashes and lesions are not common clinical manifestations of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
These symptoms are more commonly associated with other autoimmune or dermatological conditions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Administering opioid pain medications as needed." Administering opioid pain medications as needed is not typically a first-line treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).
Opioids may be reserved for severe cases or when other pain management strategies have failed.
It is not a primary nursing intervention and can have side effects and risks associated with its use.
Choice B rationale:
"Encouraging regular exercise and physical therapy." Encouraging regular exercise and physical therapy is a crucial nursing intervention for patients with AS.
Exercise and physical therapy help improve mobility, maintain joint function, and reduce pain.
Therefore, this intervention is appropriate and should be included in the care plan.
Choice C rationale:
"Providing emotional support and counseling for anxiety." Emotional support and counseling for anxiety are essential for patients with AS.
Chronic conditions like AS can have a significant emotional impact, and addressing the patient's mental health is an important nursing intervention.
Choice D rationale:
"Recommending smoking cessation as a preventive measure." Smoking cessation is a relevant nursing intervention for AS patients.
Smoking has been associated with worse outcomes in AS, and quitting smoking can be beneficial for overall health and symptom management.
Choice E rationale:
"Monitoring the patient's lung capacity and spinal curvature." Monitoring lung capacity and spinal curvature is important in the assessment and management of AS.
AS can affect the spine and lungs, and regular monitoring helps identify any complications or disease progression.
This nursing intervention is appropriate and necessary.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Treatment typically involves surgical joint replacement." Rationale: This statement is not accurate.
While joint replacement surgery may be considered in severe cases of Ankylosing Spondylitis when joint damage is extensive, it is not a typical or first-line treatment option.
Other conservative treatments are usually attempted before considering surgery.
Choice B rationale:
"Physical therapy and exercise are crucial components of managing Ankylosing Spondylitis." Rationale: This statement is correct.
Physical therapy and exercise play a crucial role in managing Ankylosing Spondylitis.
They help improve flexibility, maintain range of motion, and strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, which can reduce pain and disability.
Choice C rationale:
"There are no effective treatments available for Ankylosing Spondylitis." Rationale: This statement is not accurate.
There are several effective treatments available for Ankylosing Spondylitis, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic medications, and physical therapy.
Choice D rationale:
"Ankylosing Spondylitis is primarily managed with antibiotics." Rationale: This statement is not accurate.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is not primarily managed with antibiotics.
While bacterial infections may be associated with AS in some cases, the mainstay of treatment is focused on controlling inflammation and managing symptoms with medications and lifestyle interventions.
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