What is a classic symptom assessed in clients with lupus?

Choice A reason: The main side effect of acetaminophen is gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is not a teaching that the nurse should include in the education, because it is incorrect and misleading. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer that is commonly used for osteoarthritis, but it does not have antiinflammatory properties. Acetaminophen does not cause GI bleeding, unlike NSAIDs, which can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of ulcers and bleeding. The main side effect of acetaminophen is liver damage, which can occur if the dose is exceeded or if the drug is combined with alcohol or other hepatotoxic substances.

Choice B reason: You should not take more than 4000 mg of acetaminophen a day is a teaching that the nurse should include in the education, because it is correct and important. Acetaminophen has a maximum daily dose of 4000 mg for adults, which should not be exceeded to avoid the risk of liver damage or overdose. Acetaminophen can be found in many overthecounter and prescription products, such as cold and flu remedies, cough syrups, or combination analgesics. Therefore, the client should read the labels carefully and keep track of the total amount of acetaminophen they are taking from all sources.

Choice C reason: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are very safe and have no side effects is not a teaching that the nurse should include in the education, because it is incorrect and misleading. NSAIDs are a group of drugs that have antiinflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects, and that are commonly used for osteoarthritis. However, NSAIDs are not very safe and have many side effects, such as GI bleeding, ulcers, kidney damage, cardiovascular events, allergic reactions, or interactions with other drugs. Therefore, the client should use NSAIDs with caution and under the supervision of the provider.

Choice D reason: The most common adverse effect of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are liver failure and tinnitus is not a teaching that the nurse should include in the education, because it is incorrect and misleading. Liver failure and tinnitus are not the most common adverse effects of NSAIDs, but rather rare and serious ones. Liver failure can occur in some cases of NSAID overdose or hypersensitivity, while tinnitus can occur in some cases of NSAID toxicity or high doses. The most common adverse effects of NSAIDs are GI bleeding, ulcers, or irritation, which can affect up to 15% of the users.

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.