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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Brown, rough, greasy, wart-like papules on the face are not typically associated with overexposure to PUVA treatment. These symptoms could be indicative of a different skin condition.
Choice B rationale
Thick skin plaques topped by silvery-white scales are characteristic of psoriasis vulgaris, not overexposure to PUVA treatment. PUVA is used to treat these symptoms, not cause them.
Choice C rationale
Needing sunglasses because sunlight hurts the eyes is not a typical sign of overexposure to PUVA treatment. This could be a sign of a different issue, such as an eye condition or side effect from a different medication.
Choice D rationale
Tenderness upon palpation and generalized erythema are signs of overexposure to PUVA treatment. If a patient is overexposed to PUVA, they may experience a burning sensation, discomfort, and redness at the treatment site.

A. Consume high-protein foods to reach an ideal body weight. B. Drink at least eight cups (1920 mL) of water each day. C. Use an electric heating pad when the pain is severe. D. Encourage active range of motion exercises to prevent stiffness.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Gouty arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, causing severe pain and inflammation. Drinking plenty of water can help to flush the uric acid out of the body, reducing the risk of crystal formation and subsequent inflammation.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris who is receiving a psoralen and ultraviolet A light (PUVA) treatment. Which assessment finding indicates that the client has been overexposed to the treatment?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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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?

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?