A nurse is teaching a group of clients about osteoarthritis. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse include in the teaching?
Use Echinacea to manage joint pain.
Maintain a recommended body weight.
Apply ice to the joint before exercising.
Reduce the amount of purine in the diet.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Use Echinacea to manage joint pain:
Echinacea is a natural supplement, but its effectiveness in managing joint pain related to osteoarthritis is not well-established. It's important for individuals to consult their healthcare provider before using any supplements, as they may interact with medications or have other adverse effects.
B. Maintain a recommended body weight.
Maintaining a healthy body weight is an important recommendation for managing osteoarthritis. Excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints, such as knees and hips, which can worsen osteoarthritis symptoms. Losing weight, if necessary, or maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce joint pain and improve mobility in individuals with osteoarthritis.
C. Apply ice to the joint before exercising:
Applying ice can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief, but it's typically used after exercising or during acute flare-ups, not necessarily before exercising. Heat is often recommended before exercise to warm up the joint and improve flexibility.
D. Reduce the amount of purine in the diet:
This recommendation is more relevant for managing gout, a different type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Purine-rich foods can trigger gout attacks but are not directly related to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is primarily related to wear and tear of the joints over time.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) - While VTE can cause leg pain and swelling, the presence of fever, chills, and localized trauma history in this scenario points more toward cellulitis.
B. Cellulitis
The client's symptoms, including pain, swelling, fever, chills, and sweating, are indicative of cellulitis, which is a bacterial skin infection. The history of trauma to the leg (hitting the leg on the car door) could have introduced bacteria into the skin, leading to the infection. The client's diabetes mellitus type 2 also increases the risk of developing skin infections due to impaired immune function and circulation. Cellulitis often presents with localized pain, swelling, warmth, redness, and systemic symptoms like fever and chills. Immediate medical evaluation and appropriate antibiotic treatment are necessary for cellulitis.
C. Arterial insufficiency - Arterial insufficiency typically presents with symptoms like intermittent claudication, rest pain, and non-healing wounds due to poor circulation. The symptoms described in the scenario are more consistent with an acute infection (cellulitis) rather than chronic arterial insufficiency.
D. Thrombocytopenia - Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by low platelet count and does not directly cause localized pain, swelling, and redness in the leg as described in the scenario.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The findings of pale and cool skin on the lower legs, along with small circular ulcers on the soles of the feet, are indicative of arterial insufficiency. Arterial insufficiency occurs when there is a decreased blood flow to the extremities, often due to conditions such as atherosclerosis or peripheral arterial disease. This reduced blood flow can result in pale and cool skin, as well as the development of ulcers, which are typically round and have well-defined borders. It is essential to assess and manage arterial insufficiency promptly to prevent complications like tissue necrosis and gangrene.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.