The nurse is caring for a client with rheumatoid arthritis one day after shoulder surgery. What would prompt the nurse to call the provider immediately?

The client reports intermittent flatus and minor abdominal discomfort.

The client reports a minor headache and states she takes an overthe counter pain pill at home.

The client refused her pain medication this morning and is doing physical therapy.

The client has paresthesia in her fingers and intense increasing pain in her shoulder.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Intermittent flatus and minor abdominal discomfort are not signs that would prompt the nurse to call the provider immediately. They are common and expected after surgery and anesthesia. They indicate that the client's bowel function is returning to normal.

Choice B reason: A minor headache and taking an overthe counter pain pill at home are not signs that would prompt the nurse to call the provider immediately. They are mild and manageable symptoms that may be related to stress, dehydration, or caffeine withdrawal. They do not indicate a serious complication or adverse reaction.

Choice C reason: Refusing pain medication and doing physical therapy are not signs that would prompt the nurse to call the provider immediately. They are indicators of the client's preference and motivation to recover. They may also suggest that the client's pain is wellcontrolled or tolerable.

Choice D reason: Paresthesia in the fingers and intense increasing pain in the shoulder are signs that would prompt the nurse to call the provider immediately. They are indicators of a possible nerve injury, compression, or ischemia that may result from the surgery, swelling, or hematoma. They may also indicate a worsening of the client's rheumatoid arthritis or a development of a complex regional pain syndrome. They require prompt assessment and intervention to prevent permanent damage or disability.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Eradicating the disease is not the purpose of the medications, because osteoarthritis is a chronic and progressive condition that cannot be cured by drugs. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the breakdown of cartilage and bone, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Choice B reason: Turning on the immune system is not the purpose of the medications, because osteoarthritis is not an autoimmune disease that involves the immune system attacking the joints. Osteoarthritis is a mechanical disease that involves the wear and tear of the joints due to aging, injury, or overuse.

Choice C reason: Reducing pain and inflammation is the purpose of the medications, because osteoarthritis is a painful and inflammatory condition that affects the quality of life of the client. The medications for osteoarthritis include analgesics, such as acetaminophen or opioids, and antiinflammatory drugs, such as nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids, which can relieve the symptoms and improve the function of the joints.

Choice D reason: Managing weight loss is not the purpose of the medications, because osteoarthritis is not a metabolic disease that affects the weight of the client. Osteoarthritis is a structural disease that affects the joints of the client. However, managing weight is an important factor in preventing or treating osteoarthritis, as excess weight can increase the stress and damage on the joints.

A. Popping bursae from standing B. A herniated disk in the diseased joint C. Pieces of bone and cartilage floating D. Years of an autoimmune process

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Popping bursae from standing is not the cause of the grating sound. Bursae are fluidfilled sacs that cushion the joints and reduce friction. Popping bursae may produce a snapping or clicking sound, but not a grating sound.

Choice B reason: A herniated disk in the diseased joint is not the cause of the grating sound. A herniated disk is a condition where the soft inner part of the intervertebral disk bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. A herniated disk may cause pain, numbness, or weakness, but not a grating sound.

Choice C reason: Pieces of bone and cartilage floating is the cause of the grating sound. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the breakdown of the cartilage and bone in the joints. Pieces of bone and cartilage may detach and float in the joint space, causing a grating sound when the joint moves.

Choice D reason: Years of an autoimmune process is not the cause of the grating sound. An autoimmune process is a condition where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. An autoimmune process may cause inflammation, swelling, or damage to the joints, but not a grating sound.

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The nurse is caring for a client with rheumatoid arthritis one day after shoulder surgery. What would prompt the nurse to call the provider immediately?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client with osteoarthritis. What is the purpose of the medications?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse assesses an audible grating sound (crepitus) when a client with osteoarthritis moves his knees. What is the cause of this sound?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse assesses an audible grating sound (crepitus) when a client with osteoarthritis moves his knees. What is the cause of this sound?

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