An elderly patient with osteoarthritis is experiencing increased pain and stiffness in their right knee.
What pathological condition should the nurse identify as the cause of these symptoms?

Degradation of joint cartilage.

A systemic inflammatory response.

An infectious process in the synovial fluid.

A decrease in bone mineral density.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale

Osteoarthritis is a joint disease in which the tissues in the joint, including the cartilage, break down over time. The degradation of joint cartilage is the primary pathological condition that leads to the symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as increased pain and stiffness.

Choice B rationale

A systemic inflammatory response is not the primary cause of osteoarthritis. While inflammation can occur in the affected joint, osteoarthritis is not a systemic inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis.

Choice C rationale

An infectious process in the synovial fluid is not typically associated with osteoarthritis. Infections can lead to a different type of arthritis known as septic arthritis.

Choice D rationale

A decrease in bone mineral density is associated with osteoporosis, not osteoarthritis. In osteoarthritis, the issue is primarily with the degradation of cartilage, not a loss of bone density.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Asking the patient how often episodes of sundowning are experienced is more relevant in assessing cognitive function, particularly in patients with dementia. It is not directly related to the patient’s weight loss or decreased energy and appetite.

Choice B rationale

Inquiring about the frequency of falls in recent months is crucial in a functional assessment of an older patient who has lost weight and reports a decrease in energy and appetite. Weight loss and decreased energy can increase the risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries and further functional decline.

Choice C rationale

Requesting the patient to lie as still as possible for the assessment is not directly related to the patient’s weight loss or decreased energy and appetite. It might be necessary for certain physical examinations or procedures, but it is not the most relevant action in this context.

Choice D rationale

Assisting the patient with clarifying values about end-of-life care options is an important aspect of geriatric care, especially in patients with serious illnesses. However, it is not directly related to the patient’s weight loss or decreased energy and appetite.

A. Count and record the number of premature ventricular contractions per minute. B. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula and adjust to maintain oxygen saturation above 93%. C. Ensure troponin level assessments are scheduled every 3 to 6 hours for a series of three. D. Initiate dim lighting, lower alarm volumes, and control traffic in and out of the room area.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Counting and recording the number of premature ventricular contractions per minute is not the immediate priority for a patient experiencing symptoms of angina and shortness of breath. While it is important to monitor the patient’s heart rhythm, the immediate priority is to address the patient’s symptoms and stabilize their condition.

Choice B rationale

Applying oxygen via a nasal cannula and adjusting to maintain oxygen saturation above 93% is the immediate priority for a patient experiencing symptoms of angina and shortness of breath. Oxygen therapy can help to relieve the symptoms of angina and improve the patient’s oxygen saturation.

Choice C rationale

Ensuring troponin level assessments are scheduled every 3 to 6 hours for a series of three is important for diagnosing a heart attack, but it is not the immediate priority. The immediate priority is to address the patient’s symptoms and stabilize their condition.

Choice D rationale

Initiating dim lighting, lowering alarm volumes, and controlling traffic in and out of the room area can help to create a calm and quiet environment for the patient. However, this is not the immediate priority. The immediate priority is to address the patient’s symptoms and stabilize their condition.

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An elderly patient with osteoarthritis is experiencing increased pain and stiffness in their right knee.What pathological condition should the nurse identify as the cause of these symptoms?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is conducting a functional assessment on an older patient who has lost five pounds (2.27 Kg) since the last visit 12 weeks ago and reports a decrease in energy and appetite.Which action should the nurse include during the assessment?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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An elderly patient with osteoarthritis is experiencing increased pain and stiffness in their right knee.
What pathological condition should the nurse identify as the cause of these symptoms?