The nurse assesses a client with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Sjögren syndrome. What assessment would be most important for this client?
Abdominal assessment.
Oxygen saturation.
Breath sounds.
Visual acuity.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Abdominal assessment is less critical in RA and Sjögren syndrome, as these conditions primarily affect joints and exocrine glands, respectively. Gastrointestinal issues may occur with RA medications (e.g., NSAIDs), but they are not the primary concern compared to ocular complications.
Choice B reason: Oxygen saturation is not directly impacted by RA or Sjögren syndrome unless secondary complications like interstitial lung disease (rare in RA) are present. It is less relevant than ocular assessments for Sjögren syndrome’s hallmark dry eye complications.
Choice C reason: Breath sounds may be assessed in RA for rare pulmonary complications, but Sjögren syndrome primarily causes sicca symptoms (dry eyes and mouth). Respiratory issues are not the primary concern, making this less critical than ocular assessment.
Choice D reason: Sjögren syndrome causes reduced tear production, leading to dry eyes, which can result in corneal damage, infections, or vision loss. Assessing visual acuity is critical to detect early ocular complications, making it the most important assessment for this client’s condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Green-blue discharge suggests infection, possibly bacterial (e.g., Pseudomonas), but is not specific to tympanic membrane rupture. In otitis media with effusion, discharge may occur with perforation, but the color is not diagnostic of rupture itself.
Choice B reason: Increased temperature is common in otitis media due to infection but does not specifically indicate tympanic membrane rupture. Fever reflects systemic inflammation, not the mechanical event of perforation, which is better indicated by other symptoms.
Choice C reason: Sudden pain relief in otitis media with effusion occurs when a tympanic membrane rupture releases pressure from fluid buildup in the middle ear. This alleviates the intense pain caused by pressure on the membrane, making it a hallmark sign of perforation.
Choice D reason: A popping sensation when swallowing may occur due to eustachian tube dysfunction but is not specific to tympanic membrane rupture. It reflects pressure changes in the middle ear, not the acute event of perforation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Placing the client in a high-Fowler position may improve breathing but does not assess the cause of shortness of breath. Post-femur repair, pulmonary embolism (PE) is a risk due to fat emboli or thromboembolism, requiring objective data like oxygen saturation first.
Choice B reason: New-onset shortness of breath and tachypnea post-femur repair suggest possible pulmonary embolism or fat embolism syndrome. Documenting oxygen saturation provides objective data to assess hypoxia severity, guiding urgent interventions and communication with the healthcare provider for suspected life-threatening conditions.
Choice C reason: Starting oxygen therapy assumes hypoxia without confirmation. While it may be needed, assessing oxygen saturation first ensures the intervention is appropriate. Unwarranted oxygen administration could delay critical diagnostic steps for conditions like pulmonary embolism, which require anticoagulation or other therapies.
Choice D reason: Contacting the provider is important but secondary to assessing oxygen saturation, which provides critical data to report. Without objective findings, the nurse cannot convey the urgency or specifics of the client’s condition, potentially delaying life-saving interventions for suspected embolism.
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.