The nurse is providing education to a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (LES) support group about common symptoms of lupus. Which symptom/s by a participant indicates an understanding?
Blurred vision
Excessive thirst
Joint pain and swelling
Persistent cough
The Correct Answer is C
A. Blurred vision: Visual changes are not a common early symptom of SLE. While lupus can occasionally affect the eyes through complications like retinal vasculitis, blurred vision is not a hallmark feature.
B. Excessive thirst: Polyuria and polydipsia are more characteristic of diabetes mellitus, not SLE. They are not typical indicators of lupus activity or flares.
C. Joint pain and swelling: Arthritis and arthralgia are among the most common manifestations of SLE. Symmetrical or migratory joint pain, swelling, and stiffness often occur during flares, making this a key symptom for patient education recognition.
D. Persistent cough: Respiratory symptoms such as cough may arise if lupus involves the lungs (e.g., pleuritis or pneumonitis), but they are less common and not a primary symptom. Joint involvement is more consistent and recognizable.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Barrel: COPD causes chronic air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs, which increases the anteroposterior diameter of the chest. Over time, this results in a rounded, barrel-shaped chest. This finding is characteristic of emphysematous changes.
B. Kyphotic: Kyphosis refers to an excessive outward curvature of the thoracic spine, often related to osteoporosis or degenerative changes. While kyphosis can affect respiratory mechanics, it is not a defining chest shape associated with COPD. The deformity is spinal rather than pulmonary.
C. Pigeon: A pigeon chest (pectus carinatum) involves anterior protrusion of the sternum, typically related to congenital or childhood skeletal disorders. It is not caused by chronic lung hyperinflation. This shape is unrelated to COPD pathophysiology.
D. Funnel: Funnel chest (pectus excavatum) is characterized by a sunken sternum and is usually congenital. It may affect cardiac or pulmonary function but is not associated with COPD. This deformity does not result from air trapping or lung hyperinflation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Joint aspiration of synovial fluid: Analysis of synovial fluid obtained via joint aspiration is the definitive diagnostic test for gout. The presence of monosodium urate crystals under polarized light microscopy confirms the diagnosis.
B. MRI of the joint: MRI can detect joint inflammation and soft tissue changes but cannot specifically identify urate crystals. It is not a definitive test for gout.
C. Serum uric acid level: Elevated uric acid may support a diagnosis, but it is not definitive because levels can be normal during an acute flare or elevated without gout. It is a supportive, not confirmatory, test.
D. X-ray of the affected joint: X-rays can reveal chronic joint changes such as erosions in long-standing gout but do not confirm an acute diagnosis. Imaging is useful for assessing complications but not for definitive diagnosis.
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