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 ["42"]
Explanation
Step 1: Convert the volume from liters to milliliters. 1 liter = 1000 mL. Step 2: Convert the time from hours to minutes. 4 hours = 240 minutes.
Step 3: Calculate the rate in mL per minute. Rate = Volume ÷ Time = 1000 mL ÷ 240 min = 4.17 mL/min.
Step 4: Calculate the drops per minute. Drops per minute = Rate × Drop factor = 4.17 mL/min
× 10 gtt/mL = 41.7 gtt/min.
Step 5: Round off the result to the nearest whole number. 41.7 gtt/min rounds off to 42 gtt/min.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While lean beef, salads, and baked potatoes can be part of a balanced diet, they are not specifically recommended for patients with a strong family history of colon and rectal cancers.
Choice B rationale
Potatoes and low-fat breads can be part of a balanced diet, but they are not specifically recommended for patients with a strong family history of colon and rectal cancers.
Choice C rationale
Oatmeal, raisins, and fruit with skin are high in fiber, which promotes gut health and is beneficial for colorectal cancer prevention. A nutritious regular diet can improve your gut health, which is a main contributor to colon and rectal health.
Choice D rationale
Chicken, rice, and wheat products can be part of a balanced diet, but they are not specifically recommended for patients with a strong family history of colon and rectal cancers.
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