A nurse is educating a client who has osteoarthritis of the knee. Which of the following explanations should the nurse give to the client as part of the disease process?

Damage to cartilage and bone can progressively worsen.

Organ failure in later stages may occur without treatment.

Inflammation will resolve over time.

There will be periods of flare-ups and remission of symptoms.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Damage to cartilage and bone can progressively worsen. This is a characteristic of osteoarthritis. The disease is a degenerative joint disease that results in the loss of cartilage, which cushions the ends of bones in joints. As the disease progresses, the cartilage becomes thinner and may wear away entirely, causing the bones to rub against each other. This can result in pain, stiffness, and loss of joint movement.

Choice B reason:

Organ failure in later stages may occur without treatment. This statement is not typically associated with osteoarthritis. While osteoarthritis can significantly impact a person's quality of life, it does not directly cause organ failure. However, it's important to manage osteoarthritis effectively to maintain overall health and prevent secondary complications.

Choice C reason:

Inflammation will resolve over time. This is not typically true for osteoarthritis. While some people with osteoarthritis may experience periods of reduced symptoms, the underlying disease process does not resolve over time. In fact, osteoarthritis usually worsens over time.

Choice D reason:

There will be periods of flare-ups and remission of symptoms. This is true for many people with osteoarthritis. Symptoms can vary and may become more severe during periods of activity or stress on the joint. Conversely, symptoms may decrease during periods of rest or with effective management strategies.

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 B

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Using an antibiotic ointment is not typically recommended as a preventive measure for skin integrity during radiation therapy. Antibiotic ointments are used to treat bacterial infections, and their use should be directed by a healthcare provider if an infection is present or there is skin breakdown.

Choice B reason:
It is important not to apply heat to the area of irradiation as heat can increase skin irritation and the risk of burns in the treated area. Patients undergoing radiation therapy are advised to avoid heat sources, including heating pads, hot water bottles, and direct sunlight, to prevent further damage to the skin.

Choice C reason:
Lubricating the skin with hypoallergenic lotion can help maintain skin integrity by keeping it moisturized. However, it is crucial to use lotions that are free of metals, alcohol, perfumes, and dyes, as these can react with radiation and cause skin irritation. Lotions should be applied after radiation therapy sessions and not immediately before treatment.

Choice D reason:
The instruction not to wash the area of irradiation is incorrect. It is essential to keep the skin clean to reduce the risk of infection. Patients should gently wash the irradiated area with lukewarm water and mild soap, and pat the area dry with a soft towel. They should avoid scrubbing or using harsh soaps that can irritate the skin.

A. "Eating a high fiber diet will reduce my risk for developing skin cancer." B. "I should avoid the use of tanning booths." C. "I should use sunscreen even on cloudy days." D. "I should check my skin monthly for any changes."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:
The statement about eating a high fiber diet reducing the risk for developing skin cancer is misleading. While a high fiber diet has many health benefits, there is no direct evidence that it significantly reduces the risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer prevention primarily focuses on protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure and avoiding ultraviolet (UV) light sources.

Choice B reason:
Avoiding the use of tanning booths is correct advice. Tanning booths emit UV radiation, which can increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The use of tanning beds is strongly discouraged by health professionals.

Choice C reason:
Using sunscreen even on cloudy days is also correct. UV rays can penetrate through clouds, and sun protection is necessary regardless of the weather to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin and reapplied regularly, especially after swimming or sweating.

Choice D reason:
Checking the skin monthly for any changes is an important part of skin cancer prevention. Early detection of changes in moles or new skin growths can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, which is crucial for a better prognosis. This practice should be encouraged as part of routine self-care.

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

A nurse is educating a client who has osteoarthritis of the knee. Which of the following explanations should the nurse give to the client as part of the disease process?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who is postoperative following a simple mastectomy. The client is to begin outpatient radiation therapy the next day. Which of the following instructions about maintaining skin integrity should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is providing teaching to a client about preventing skin cancer. Which of the following client statements indicates a need for further teaching?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has a history of recurring calcium oxalate kidney stones. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is assessing a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and finds the client lying in bed, sweating, and reporting feeling anxious. Which of the following complications should the nurse suspect?

A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is taking aspirin 650 mg every 4 hours. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a Plaster of Paris walking cast on his left lower leg. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A nurse is educating a client who has osteoarthritis of the knee. Which of the following explanations should the nurse give to the client as part of the disease process?

A charge nurse is teaching a group of healthcare workers about hand hygiene to prevent infection. Which of the following information should the charge nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client who has hypovolemic shock. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as an expected finding?

A nurse in a community health center is assessing the results of a tuberculin skin test she performed on a client. Which of the following results indicates exposure to and a possible infection with tuberculosis (TB)?