The nurse is caring for a client with a history of rheumatoid arthritis who reports morning stiffness. Which intervention should the nurse include?
Apply warm compresses to affected joints
Restrict all physical activity
Administer high-dose corticosteroids
Encourage high-sodium diet
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Warm compresses reduce morning stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis by increasing blood flow and relaxing muscles around inflamed joints. This alleviates synovial inflammation, improving mobility and comfort, making it a key nonpharmacologic intervention to manage early daily symptoms effectively.
Choice B reason: Restricting physical activity worsens stiffness and joint deformity in rheumatoid arthritis. Warm compresses are prioritized, as they directly reduce synovial inflammation and improve mobility, enabling gentle exercise, making complete activity restriction counterproductive to joint health and function.
Choice C reason: High-dose corticosteroids are reserved for severe rheumatoid arthritis flares, not routine morning stiffness. Warm compresses are safer, reducing stiffness through localized heat, improving joint function without systemic side effects, making them the priority intervention for daily symptom management.
Choice D reason: A high-sodium diet increases fluid retention, potentially worsening joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Warm compresses directly alleviate morning stiffness by enhancing circulation, making them the priority, as dietary sodium does not address acute joint symptoms effectively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assisting with mobility and fall prevention is critical in Parkinson’s disease, as bradykinesia and rigidity increase fall risk. Physical therapy and assistive devices enhance safety, reducing injury risk, making this the priority intervention to maintain functional independence and prevent fractures.
Choice B reason: High-protein meals may interfere with levodopa absorption in Parkinson’s, worsening symptoms. Mobility assistance is the priority, as falls are a leading cause of injury, requiring immediate intervention to ensure safety, making dietary protein secondary to physical support.
Choice C reason: Restricting fluid intake is inappropriate, as hydration prevents constipation in Parkinson’s. Mobility and fall prevention are critical, as motor symptoms increase injury risk. Assisting with mobility addresses the primary functional challenge, making fluid restriction irrelevant to priority care.
Choice D reason: Promoting social isolation worsens depression in Parkinson’s, a common comorbidity. Mobility assistance is the priority, as falls due to motor impairment are a significant risk, requiring immediate intervention to ensure safety, making social isolation counterproductive to care.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Using a bronchodilator for sudden shortness of breath applies to rescue inhalers like albuterol, not maintenance bronchodilators (e.g., tiotropium) for COPD, which are used daily. This statement indicates misunderstanding, as maintenance inhalers prevent symptoms, not treat acute dyspnea.
Choice B reason: Thinner sputum is not a primary effect of bronchodilators, which relax airway smooth muscles to improve airflow in COPD. Mucolytics, not bronchodilators, reduce sputum viscosity. This statement reflects incorrect understanding, as bronchodilators target bronchoconstriction, not secretion consistency.
Choice C reason: Daily use of a maintenance bronchodilator, like tiotropium, is correct for COPD to prevent bronchospasm and maintain airway patency. This statement shows proper understanding, as consistent use reduces exacerbations and improves lung function, aligning with standard COPD management protocols.
Choice D reason: Using another inhaler between doses suggests confusion about maintenance versus rescue inhalers. Maintenance bronchodilators are used daily, not interspersed with others. This indicates misunderstanding, as proper scheduling is essential for effective COPD control with prescribed bronchodilators.
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.