A nurse is teaching a group of patients about osteoarthritis.
Which of the following recommendations should the nurse include in the teaching?
Use Echinacea to manage joint pain.
Apply ice to the joint before exercising.
Significantly reduce the amount of purine in the diet.
Maintain a recommended body weight.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Echinacea is an herb often used to support the immune system, particularly for colds and flu. There is no strong scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in managing the joint pain associated with osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease.
Choice B rationale
Applying ice to a joint before exercising can decrease pain and inflammation, but it can also stiffen the joint and potentially limit range of motion during activity. Heat application is generally recommended before exercise in osteoarthritis to warm up the muscles and tissues.
Choice C rationale
Purines are compounds that break down into uric acid. Reducing purine intake is important for managing gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints, not osteoarthritis, which is characterized by cartilage breakdown.
Choice D rationale
Maintaining a recommended body weight is crucial for managing osteoarthritis. Excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees, accelerating cartilage breakdown and increasing pain. Weight loss can significantly reduce these stresses and alleviate symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of morphine sulfate, an opioid analgesic administered via a PCA pump. An antiemetic medication directly addresses these symptoms and improves patient comfort.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer is important for preventing postoperative respiratory complications, but it does not directly address the client's current nausea and vomiting.
Choice C rationale
Auscultating bowel sounds is important for assessing gastrointestinal function, but it does not provide immediate relief from nausea and vomiting. While changes in bowel sounds could indicate a problem, addressing the symptom with an antiemetic is the priority.
Choice D rationale
Inserting a nasogastric tube is an invasive procedure typically reserved for persistent vomiting, bowel obstruction, or gastric decompression. It is not the first-line intervention for nausea and vomiting related to opioid use.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering an antiemetic is the most appropriate initial action to address the client's reported nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects of morphine sulfate, an opioid analgesic administered via a PCA pump. An antiemetic medication can help alleviate these symptoms and improve the client's comfort.
Choice B rationale
Auscultating bowel sounds is important for assessing gastrointestinal function, but it does not directly address the client's immediate complaint of nausea and vomiting. While opioid-induced constipation and decreased bowel motility are potential side effects, the immediate priority is to relieve the distressing symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging the use of the incentive spirometer is crucial for preventing postoperative pulmonary complications such as atelectasis, especially after surgery involving anesthesia and pain medication. However, it does not directly address the client's current nausea and vomiting.
Choice D rationale
Inserting a nasogastric tube is a more invasive intervention and is typically reserved for situations involving severe, persistent vomiting, abdominal distension, or concerns about bowel obstruction. It is not the first-line treatment for nausea and vomiting related to opioid use after surgery.
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