A nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a client who has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which of the following values should give the nurse the best indication of the client's renal function?

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.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant risk factor for gout. This is because CVD often coexists with other conditions that can elevate uric acid levels, such as hypertension, obesity, and chronic kidney disease. Additionally, some medications used to treat CVD, such as thiazide diuretics, can also increase uric acid levels.

Research has shown that people with CVD have a 2-3 times higher risk of developing gout compared to those without CVD.

The mechanisms linking CVD and gout are complex and not fully understood, but they likely involve shared pathways of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.

Choice D rationale:

Diuretic use, particularly thiazide diuretics, is a well-established risk factor for gout. These medications work by increasing the excretion of fluids and electrolytes from the body, which can also lead to a decrease in the excretion of uric acid.

This can result in a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which can then crystallize in joints and cause gout attacks.

The risk of gout associated with diuretic use is dose-dependent, meaning that higher doses of diuretics are associated with a higher risk of gout.

Choice A rationale:

Depression has not been consistently shown to be an independent risk factor for gout.
Some studies have suggested a possible link between depression and gout, but others have not found any association. More research is needed to clarify the relationship between these two conditions.

Choice B rationale:

Deep sleep deprivation has not been studied as a risk factor for gout.
There is currently no evidence to suggest that it is directly associated with an increased risk of developing the disease.