A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a severe flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following pharmacological interventions should the nurse prioritize to manage this client's symptoms?
Apply ice to the affected joints to reduce inflammation,
Administer methotrexate as scheduled to slow disease progression.
Recommend physical therapy immediately to strengthen the muscles around the joints.
Encourage the use of over-the-counter NSAIDs exclusively for pain relief.
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Ice is a non-pharmacological intervention that can help reduce pain and swelling, but it does not address the underlying inflammatory process pharmacologically. It is adjunctive rather than a primary treatment for a severe flare.
B. Methotrexate is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that targets the underlying immune-mediated inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. During a flare, ensuring that methotrexate is administered as prescribed is essential to control inflammation, prevent joint damage, and slow disease progression, making it the priority pharmacological intervention.
C. Physical therapy is beneficial for maintaining joint function and muscle strength, but initiating it during a severe flare can worsen pain and joint inflammation. It is best implemented after the acute inflammation has subsided.
D. NSAIDs can provide symptomatic relief of pain and inflammation, but they do not modify disease progression. Using them exclusively without DMARD therapy is insufficient to manage a severe flare and prevent long-term joint damage.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Ice is a non-pharmacological intervention that can help reduce pain and swelling, but it does not address the underlying inflammatory process pharmacologically. It is adjunctive rather than a primary treatment for a severe flare.
B. Methotrexate is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that targets the underlying immune-mediated inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. During a flare, ensuring that methotrexate is administered as prescribed is essential to control inflammation, prevent joint damage, and slow disease progression, making it the priority pharmacological intervention.
C. Physical therapy is beneficial for maintaining joint function and muscle strength, but initiating it during a severe flare can worsen pain and joint inflammation. It is best implemented after the acute inflammation has subsided.
D. NSAIDs can provide symptomatic relief of pain and inflammation, but they do not modify disease progression. Using them exclusively without DMARD therapy is insufficient to manage a severe flare and prevent long-term joint damage.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Platelets are highly perishable and cannot be safely stored or administered over such an extended period. Administering platelets after many hours increases the risk of bacterial contamination and reduced efficacy.
B. While faster administration is generally better, platelets are typically infused more quickly than red blood cells, but 2 hours per unit is slower than recommended for pooled platelets. Delays can reduce platelet viability and therapeutic benefit.
C. Platelets are most effective when transfused quickly after preparation to maintain function and reduce the risk of bacterial growth. The recommended administration time for pooled platelets is 30–60 minutes per unit. Rapid infusion ensures prompt hemostatic effect, which is critical in clients with severe thrombocytopenia.
D. This timeframe is acceptable for red blood cell transfusions, but platelets are much more sensitive to storage time and should not exceed 4 hours once the unit is issued. Delays compromise platelet function and patient safety.
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