An older client with osteoarthritis reports increasing pain and stiffness in the right knee and asks how to reduce these symptoms. In responding to the client, the nurse recognizes what pathology as the cause of the symptoms?

Destruction of joint cartilage.

Systemic inflammatory response.

Loss of bone mineral density.

Infectious process in the synovial fluid.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Rationale

A. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the gradual destruction of joint cartilage. Cartilage serves as a cushion between the bones in a joint, and its deterioration leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced joint function. As the cartilage wears away, bones may rub directly against each other, causing further pain and damage.

B. Osteoarthritis is primarily a degenerative condition rather than an inflammatory one. While mild inflammation can occur in OA, it is not as prominent as in autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. In OA, inflammation is secondary to cartilage damage rather than a primary driver of the disease process.

C. Loss of bone mineral density is more characteristic of osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and brittle. Osteoporosis involves a decrease in bone mass throughout the skeleton, whereas osteoarthritis specifically targets the joints and affects cartilage rather than bone density.

D. An infectious process in the synovial fluid could indicate septic arthritis, which is characterized by infection in the joint space. This is typically associated with acute symptoms such as severe joint pain, swelling, warmth, and fever.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale

A. Diarrhea and flatulence are common gastrointestinal side effects of statin medications like lovastatin. While uncomfortable for the client, these symptoms are typically not serious and do not require immediate follow-up unless severe or persistent.

B. Muscle pain, also known as myalgia, is a potential side effect of statin therapy. In some cases, statins can cause muscle inflammation (myositis) or more severe muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), which can lead to serious complications such as kidney damage. If a client reports new or worsening muscle pain, especially if accompanied by weakness, tenderness, or dark urine, it requires immediate follow-up to assess for these potential complications.

C. Abdominal cramps can occur as a gastrointestinal side effect of statins but are generally not considered a serious adverse reaction. They may improve with time or adjustments in diet or medication administration timing.

D. Altered taste, such as a metallic taste, is a less common side effect of statin therapy. While it can be bothersome, it is usually not serious and does not typically require immediate follow-up unless severe or persistent.

A. Ear pain and fever. B. Elevated WBC and sedimentation rate. C. Increased BUN and serum creatinine. D. Positive Epstein-Barr, and malaise.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale

A. Ear pain is not typically a common symptom of mononucleosis. Fever, however, is commonly seen in mononucleosis due to the body's immune response to the viral infection.

B. In mononucleosis, there is often an increase in white blood cells (specifically lymphocytes) and an elevated sedimentation rate (ESR). These changes reflect the body's immune response to the Epstein- Barr virus infection.

C. Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels are not typically associated with mononucleosis. These markers are more indicative of kidney function and are not directly affected by the viral infection causing mononucleosis.

D. A positive test for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies is diagnostic for mononucleosis. Malaise, which is a general feeling of discomfort or illness, is a hallmark symptom of mononucleosis along with other systemic symptoms like fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes a rash.

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An older client with osteoarthritis reports increasing pain and stiffness in the right knee and asks how to reduce these symptoms. In responding to the client, the nurse recognizes what pathology as the cause of the symptoms?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which problem reported by a client taking lovastatin requires the most immediate follow-up by the nurse?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse caring for a child with mononucleosis can expect the child to exhibit which symptoms?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is working on an infectious disease unit. Which client should be assigned to a room with negative airflow, while requiring personnel to use a particulate respirator mask, and requiring staff to observe airborne, as well as standard precautions?

While preparing to administer a scheduled IV medication, the client tells the nurse that the IV site hurts and refuses to allow the nurse to administer a flush to assess the site. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

A young adult is brought to the emergency department after taking a handful of drugs. The client is unresponsive, so an endotracheal tube (ETT) is inserted. How should the nurse determine if the ETT is correctly placed? Select all that apply.

Which instruction should the nurse provide to a client who is preparing to have a cystoscopy?

Exhibits The nurse notifies the healthcare provider of the client's status. The healthcare provider comes to the bedside to evaluate the client. Which should the nurse do? Select all that apply.

Exhibits Which other treatment(s) might be helpful for this client? Select all that apply.

The nurse observes that a client with ascites is dyspneic. Which action should the nurse implement first?