While assessing a client with degenerative joint disease, the nurse observes Heberden's nodes, large prominences on the client's fingers that are reddened. The client reports that the nodes are painful. Which action should the nurse take?
Discuss approaches to chronic pain control with the client.
Review the client's dietary intake of high-protein foods.
Notify the healthcare provider of the finding immediately.
Assess the client's radial pulses and capillary refill time.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Discuss approaches to chronic pain control with the client:
This is the correct answer. Heberden's nodes are bony enlargements that can occur in osteoarthritis, particularly in the joints of the fingers. These nodes can be associated with pain. Discussing approaches to chronic pain control with the client is an appropriate nursing intervention to address the client's pain and improve quality of life.
B. Review the client's dietary intake of high-protein foods:
Dietary intake of high-protein foods is not directly related to the management of Heberden's nodes in degenerative joint disease. Pain control and joint protection measures are more relevant.
C. Notify the healthcare provider of the finding immediately:
While it's important to communicate significant findings to the healthcare provider, the presence of Heberden's nodes in degenerative joint disease may not require immediate notification unless there are other concerning symptoms or complications.
D. Assess the client's radial pulses and capillary refill time:
Assessing radial pulses and capillary refill time is not directly related to managing Heberden's nodes in degenerative joint disease. These nodes are primarily a result of joint changes in osteoarthritis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Encourage regular turning:
While turning is important for preventing complications like pressure ulcers, in this acute situation, addressing fluid imbalance and potential sepsis take precedence.
B. Monitor skin for breakdown:
Monitoring for skin breakdown is essential but is not the most critical intervention at this moment.
C. Assess wound drainage daily:
Daily assessment of wound drainage is important for evaluating the status of the surgical site. However, in this situation of potential anastomosis leakage with signs of systemic infection and hypotension, immediate interventions to stabilize the client's condition are of higher priority.
D. Strict IV fluid replacement:
This is the correct answer. The client is displaying signs of systemic infection (fever) and possible sepsis (tachycardia, hypotension), which might be due to an anastomosis leakage following gastric bypass surgery. Ensuring adequate IV fluid replacement is crucial to address hypotension, maintain perfusion, and support hemodynamic stability in this critical situation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Instruct the client to drink plenty of fluids during the treatment.
This option focuses on hydration, which is generally important during chemotherapy to flush out toxins and maintain overall health. However, it does not specifically address the risk of vesicant extravasation.
B. Keep the head of the bed elevated until the treatment is completed.
Keeping the head of the bed elevated is a measure that may be taken for certain conditions or treatments, but it is not directly related to preventing vesicant extravasation.
C. Monitor the client's intravenous site hourly during the treatment.
This is the correct choice. Monitoring the intravenous site for signs of extravasation, such as swelling, redness, or pain, is crucial when administering vesicant chemotherapy drugs. Early detection allows for prompt intervention to minimize potential tissue damage.
D. Administer an antiemetic before starting the chemotherapy.
Administering an antiemetic (a medication to prevent or alleviate nausea and vomiting) is important for managing side effects of chemotherapy, but it does not specifically address the prevention of vesicant extravasation.
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