Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Crohn's disease?

Choice A rationale

Patient-controlled analgesia is designed to allow patients to manage their pain proactively. Waiting until the pain is severe before using the device can lead to inadequate pain control and increased discomfort. The goal of PCA is to maintain a consistent level of analgesia by allowing the patient to self-administer small doses as needed.

Choice B rationale

PCA devices are programmed with safety limits, including lockout intervals and maximum doses, to prevent accidental overdosing. While the patient should understand how to use the button, the primary responsibility for preventing overdose lies with the device's safety mechanisms and the healthcare team's programming.

Choice C rationale

Allowing family members to push the PCA button bypasses the safety mechanisms built into the device, which are based on the patient's demand for pain relief. This practice can lead to over-sedation and respiratory depression if the patient is not the one experiencing the pain and needing the medication. The patient must be the only one to activate the PCA device.

Choice D rationale

If the PCA device is not effectively controlling the patient's pain, it indicates a need for reassessment of the medication, dosage, or delivery method. The nurse can then collaborate with the provider to make necessary adjustments to ensure adequate pain management. This statement demonstrates the client's understanding of the importance of communicating their pain level.

Choice A rationale

Echinacea is an herb often used to support the immune system, particularly for colds and flu. There is no strong scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in managing the joint pain associated with osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease.

Choice B rationale

Applying ice to a joint before exercising can decrease pain and inflammation, but it can also stiffen the joint and potentially limit range of motion during activity. Heat application is generally recommended before exercise in osteoarthritis to warm up the muscles and tissues.

Choice C rationale

Purines are compounds that break down into uric acid. Reducing purine intake is important for managing gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints, not osteoarthritis, which is characterized by cartilage breakdown.

Choice D rationale

Maintaining a recommended body weight is crucial for managing osteoarthritis. Excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees, accelerating cartilage breakdown and increasing pain. Weight loss can significantly reduce these stresses and alleviate symptoms.