While assessing a patient with degenerative joint disease, the nurse notices Heberden’s nodes, and large prominences on the patient’s fingers that are reddened and painful.
What should the nurse do?
Discuss strategies for managing chronic pain with the patient.
Check the patient’s radial pulses and capillary refill time.
Immediately notify the healthcare provider of the finding.
Review the patient’s dietary intake of high-protein foods.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Heberden’s nodes are bony swellings that develop at the end joints (distal interphalangeal joints) of fingers, particularly the fingers closest to the nails. They are a characteristic feature of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis causes the protective cartilage in the joints to wear down over time, leading to the development of these bony growths, which can be painful and limit joint movement. Therefore, discussing strategies for managing chronic pain with the patient is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take.
Choice B rationale
While checking the patient’s radial pulses and capillary refill time is a part of a comprehensive physical assessment, it is not directly related to the management of Heberden’s nodes or osteoarthritis.
Choice C rationale
Although Heberden’s nodes are a sign of osteoarthritis, they are not typically an emergency that requires immediate notification of the healthcare provider. They are a common finding in individuals with osteoarthritis and are usually managed with conservative measures such as pain management and physical therapy.
Choice D rationale
Reviewing the patient’s dietary intake of high-protein foods is not directly related to the management of Heberden’s nodes or osteoarthritis. While a balanced diet is important for overall health, it does not specifically address the pain and limited joint movement associated with Heberden’s nodes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A diet high in protein and vitamins A and C can help promote wound healing. Protein is essential for tissue repair, and vitamins A and C play crucial roles in wound healing and immune function.
Choice B rationale
Keeping legs elevated when sitting or lying down can help reduce swelling and improve blood circulation, which is beneficial for healing venous leg ulcers.
Choice C rationale
Maintaining as much bed rest as possible is not typically recommended for patients with venous leg ulcers. Physical activity and movement can help improve blood circulation, which is beneficial for healing venous leg ulcers.
Choice D rationale
Inspecting ankles daily for areas of darkening skin can help detect early signs of worsening venous leg ulcers. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and promote healing.
Choice E rationale
Applying intermittent cold compresses four times daily is not typically recommended for venous leg ulcers. Cold compresses can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the area, which may hinder the healing process.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Decreasing the flow rate of the irrigation solution is not the best action in this situation. The presence of blood clots in the tubing and collection bag indicates that the client may be experiencing clot retention, which can lead to urinary obstruction. Decreasing the flow rate may not provide sufficient force to dislodge clots from the catheter, which could exacerbate the problem.
Choice B rationale
Manually irrigating the catheter is the most appropriate action when blood clots are observed in the tubing and collection bag. Clots can obstruct the catheter and disrupt the continuous bladder irrigation, leading to urinary retention and increased discomfort for the client. Manual irrigation can help dislodge and remove these clots, ensuring the patency of the catheter and the effectiveness of the irrigation.
Choice C rationale
Discontinuing the infusion of the irrigation solution is not the best action in this situation. The purpose of continuous bladder irrigation after a transurethral resection of the prostate is to prevent clot formation and retention by continuously flushing the bladder. Discontinuing the infusion could lead to the formation of more clots, potentially causing urinary obstruction.
Choice D rationale
While monitoring catheter drainage is an important part of postoperative care, it is not the most appropriate action in this situation. The presence of blood clots in the tubing and collection bag indicates a potential problem that requires immediate intervention. Simply monitoring the situation without taking action to resolve it could lead to urinary obstruction and increased discomfort for the client.
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