The nurse is most concerned about which of these findings in a client with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
The client has a butterfly rash
Blood pressure of 126/85 mm Hg
The client reports chronic fatigue
Urine output of 20 mL/hour
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: The client having a butterfly rash is not a concerning finding in a client with SLE. A butterfly rash is a malar rash that appears across the cheeks and the bridge of the nose. It is a common sign of SLE and may flare up or fade depending on the disease activity. It does not indicate any serious complication or organ damage.
Choice B reason: A blood pressure of 126/85 mm Hg is not a concerning finding in a client with SLE. This blood pressure is within the normal range and does not indicate hypertension or hypotension. Hypertension is a possible complication of SLE that may affect the kidneys, the heart, or the brain. Hypotension may indicate shock, dehydration, or infection.
Choice C reason: The client reporting chronic fatigue is not a concerning finding in a client with SLE. Chronic fatigue is a common symptom of SLE that affects the quality of life and the ability to perform daily activities. It may be caused by inflammation, pain, anemia, depression, or medication side effects. It does not indicate any acute or lifethreatening condition.
Choice D reason: A urine output of 20 mL/hour is a concerning finding in a client with SLE. This urine output is below the normal range of 30 to 50 mL/hour and indicates oliguria, which is a reduced urine production. Oliguria may indicate acute kidney injury, which is a serious complication of SLE that may lead to renal failure or death. The nurse should monitor the client's urine output, fluid balance, electrolytes, and kidney function and report any abnormal findings to the provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: A decreased level of rheumatoid factor is not seen in clients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor is an antibody that is produced by the immune system and can bind to other antibodies. A high level of rheumatoid factor indicates an autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Choice B reason: A negative rheumatoid factor is not seen in clients with rheumatoid arthritis. A negative rheumatoid factor means that the antibody is not detected in the blood. A negative rheumatoid factor does not rule out rheumatoid arthritis, but it may suggest a different type of arthritis or another condition.
Choice C reason: A positive rheumatoid factor is seen in clients with rheumatoid arthritis. A positive rheumatoid factor means that the antibody is detected in the blood. A positive rheumatoid factor is more likely to occur in clients with rheumatoid arthritis, especially during a flareup of the disease.
Choice D reason: Factor does not change is not seen in clients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor can vary over time and may change depending on the activity of the disease. Rheumatoid factor may increase during a flareup and decrease during remission.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the highest priority client because a urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common and treatable condition that affects the lower urinary system, such as the bladder or urethra. A fever of 38.5°C and flank pain can indicate that the infection has spread to the upper urinary system, such as the kidneys, which can cause pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis is a serious but not lifethreatening complication that requires antibiotic therapy and hydration. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, urine output, and pain level and administer the prescribed medication and fluids.
Choice B reason: This is not the highest priority client because a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower extremities. A positive Homans' sign and edema in the affected leg can indicate that the clot is causing inflammation and obstruction of the blood flow. DVT is a serious but not lifethreatening complication that requires anticoagulant therapy and compression therapy. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, leg circumference, and pain level and administer the prescribed medication and stockings.
Choice C reason: This is the highest priority client because a myocardial infarction (MI) is a heart attack that occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing tissue damage or death. Chest pain and shortness of breath can indicate that the client is experiencing acute cardiac ischemia, which can lead to cardiac arrest or heart failure. MI is a lifethreatening emergency that requires immediate intervention and treatment. The nurse should activate the rapid response team, monitor the client's vital signs, electrocardiogram, and oxygen saturation, and administer the prescribed medication and oxygen.
Choice D reason: This is not the highest priority client because a stroke is a brain attack that occurs when the blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing tissue damage or death. Slurred speech and facial droop can indicate that the client is experiencing acute neurological impairment, which can affect their communication and facial expression. Stroke is a serious but not lifethreatening complication that requires prompt evaluation and treatment. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, neurological status, and glucose level and administer the prescribed medication and fluids.
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