A nurse is completing a focused assessment addressing a client's immune function. What should the nurse prioritize in the physical assessment?

Choice A rationale:
A high-purine diet is not recommended for clients with gout. Purines are substances found in certain foods, such as red meat, organ meats, seafood, and beer. When the body breaks down purines, it produces uric acid. Uric acid is a waste product that can build up in the blood and cause gout attacks.
Choice B rationale:
Aspirin is not typically recommended for clients with gout. In fact, aspirin can sometimes worsen gout symptoms by increasing uric acid levels in the blood.
Choice C rationale:
Limiting alcohol intake is a key part of the treatment regimen for gout. Alcohol can increase uric acid levels in the blood and trigger gout attacks.
Choice D rationale:
Limiting fluid intake is not recommended for clients with gout. In fact, it is important for clients with gout to stay well- hydrated to help flush uric acid out of the body.

Choice A rationale:
Pain management: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and fatigue in the joints. Pain is often the most debilitating symptom of RA, and it can significantly impact a person's quality of life.

Therefore, the nurse's primary consideration is to ensure the client's comfort by effectively managing their pain. This may involve using a variety of interventions, such as:
Administering pain medications as prescribed Applying heat or cold therapy
Using assistive devices to reduce joint strain
Teaching the client about pain management techniques, such as relaxation exercises and pacing activities
Promoting rest and sleep: Rest and sleep are essential for healing and reducing inflammation. The nurse can encourage the client to rest during the day and to get enough sleep at night.
Creating a comfortable environment: The nurse can help to create a comfortable environment for the client by adjusting the room temperature, providing soft bedding and pillows, and reducing noise and distractions.
Providing emotional support: RA can be a challenging disease to live with, and it can take a toll on a person's emotional well- being. The nurse can provide emotional support by listening to the client's concerns, offering reassurance, and encouraging them to express their feelings.
Choice B rationale:
Motivation is important: While motivation is important for self-management of RA, it is not the primary consideration for the nurse. The nurse's focus is on providing comfort and addressing the client's immediate needs. Once the client's pain and other symptoms are managed, the nurse can then work with the client to develop a plan for managing their RA long-term. This may include providing education about the disease, teaching self-care strategies, and encouraging the client to participate in activities that promote physical and emotional well-being.
Choice C rationale:
Surgery may be an option: Surgery may be an option for some clients with RA, but it is not the primary consideration for the nurse. Surgery is typically considered only after other treatment options have failed to control the client's symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
Education is important: Education is an important part of managing RA, but it is not the primary consideration for the nurse. The nurse's focus is on providing comfort and addressing the client's immediate needs. Once the client's pain and other symptoms are managed, the nurse can then provide education about the disease and its management.