The nurse examines a client's right great toe. The joint is red, edematous, and very painful with limited range of motion. The client's serum uric acid levels are elevated. Which action should the nurse tell the client to make?
Encourage fluid intake.
Measure urine output.
Splint the affected joint.
Increase intake of red meat.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Encourage fluid intake:
Encouraging fluid intake is the most appropriate action for the client experiencing gout, as it helps to promote the excretion of uric acid through urine. Increased fluid intake can help prevent the formation of urate crystals in the joints and reduce the severity and frequency of gout attacks. It is a fundamental aspect of managing gout and preventing future episodes.
B. Measure urine output:
While monitoring urine output is important for overall assessment, it is not specifically indicated in the management of acute gout attacks. Gout is primarily managed by addressing hyperuricemia and reducing inflammation in the affected joints, which is best achieved through hydration and pharmacological interventions.
C. Splint the affected joint:
Splinting the affected joint may provide some relief by immobilizing it and reducing movement, but it does not address the underlying cause of gout or promote the excretion of uric acid. Splinting is more commonly used in the management of injuries or conditions that require joint stabilization.
D. Increase intake of red meat:
Increasing intake of red meat is contraindicated in clients with gout because red meat contains high levels of purines, which can exacerbate hyperuricemia and increase the risk of gout attacks. Dietary modifications for gout typically involve reducing the consumption of foods high in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, and certain seafood.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Answer: D
Rationale:
A) Tenderness:
Tenderness upon palpation is not considered a normal finding. It may indicate inflammation, injury, or other underlying conditions affecting the thoracic region. Tenderness requires further investigation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
B) Crepitus:
Crepitus, which is a crackling or popping sensation felt under the skin, is not a normal finding. It can be associated with subcutaneous air or gas, often resulting from trauma or infection. Identifying crepitus prompts further evaluation to determine the underlying issue.
C) Thrill:
A thrill is a palpable vibration or sensation over the chest, typically felt over an area of turbulent blood flow, such as a heart murmur. It is not considered a normal finding in the thoracic region and usually indicates an abnormal cardiovascular condition that requires further assessment.
D) Non-tender:
A non-tender thoracic region is considered a normal finding. Absence of tenderness upon palpation indicates no immediate signs of inflammation or injury in the thoracic area, suggesting that the palpation findings are within the expected range of normal physical examination.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Answer: A. "Have you been sleeping well?"
Rationale:
A) "Have you been sleeping well?": Sleep deprivation can lead to symptoms such as an expressionless facial affect, slurred speech, and red conjunctivae. Assessing for sleep patterns is a priority to rule out this common and reversible cause of the client's symptoms. Sleep deprivation can also exacerbate other underlying conditions.
B) "Have you been depressed lately?": While depression could explain the expressionless affect, it does not typically cause slurred speech or red conjunctivae. Depression can be assessed later if other immediate causes are ruled out.
C) "Have you had anything to eat in the last 24 hours?": Poor nutritional intake could contribute to fatigue or weakness but is less likely to cause all the observed symptoms (expressionless affect, slurred speech, and red conjunctivae). This question is important but not the first priority.
D) "Have you ever had problems with your blood sugar?": Blood sugar imbalances, particularly hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, can cause neurological changes. However, the symptoms described are less specific to blood sugar issues and more indicative of sleep or neurological concerns, making this question less immediately relevant.
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