You are working in a busy outpatient clinic and performing assessment on a new patient. The patient reports pain in the left ankle and big toe. You see what looks like a large tophi on the left toe. The patient's BMI is 38, and the patient reports drinking beer several nights a week. What is your patient's MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Gouty arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis

Lupus

Osteoarthritis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   Gouty arthritis, or gout, is characterized by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, especially in the big toe (podagra). The presence of tophi (deposits of uric acid crystals under the skin) on the left toe is a classic sign of chronic gout. The patient's high BMI and frequent beer consumption also increase the risk for elevated uric acid levels, contributing to gout.
B.   Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that typically causes symmetric joint pain and stiffness, often involving the small joints of the hands and feet. It is less likely to present with tophi and is usually not linked to a history of beer consumption or a specific joint (like the big toe) in isolation.
C.   Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause joint pain, but it usually involves multiple joints in a symmetrical pattern and is associated with a range of other systemic symptoms. The presence of tophi and the specific pain in the big toe point more toward gout.
D.   Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects weight-bearing joints and can cause pain, especially with movement. However, it does not typically cause the acute attacks or the presence of tophi that are characteristic of gout.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

A. Airplane flights can trigger a crisis due to changes in altitude and decreased oxygen levels in the cabin. The lower atmospheric pressure and reduced oxygen can contribute to sickling of red blood cells, increasing the risk of a crisis.
B. Dehydration is a significant trigger for sickle cell crises. It can lead to hemoconcentration, making the blood more viscous and promoting sickling of the red blood cells. Maintaining hydration is crucial for preventing crises.
C. Exposure to cold weather can trigger vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell patients. Cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow and increasing the likelihood of sickling and pain episodes.
D. Any illness, particularly infections, can trigger a sickle cell crisis. Infections can lead to increased metabolic demand, dehydration, and inflammatory responses, all of which can contribute to vaso- occlusion and pain.
E. While certain sensory stimuli can affect individuals with various conditions (like migraines), flashing light patterns on television are not commonly recognized triggers for a sickle cell crisis. There is no substantial evidence linking this to vaso-occlusive events in sickle cell disease.

A. Instructing the client to wash minor wounds carefully B. Assessing vaccination records for booster shot needs C. Teaching hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microbes D. Encouraging the client to eat a nutritious diet

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Proper wound care is essential in preventing infections, particularly in older adults who may have thinner skin and slower healing processes. However, while this is important, it is just one aspect of a comprehensive infection prevention strategy and does not address broader systemic issues.
B. Older adults are often at higher risk for infections due to waning immunity. Regular vaccinations, such as the flu vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, and others, can significantly reduce the risk of serious infections. This action is critical but is part of a preventive framework rather than a standalone solution.
C. Hand hygiene is one of the most effective measures to prevent the transmission of infections. Educating clients about proper handwashing techniques and when to wash their hands can significantly reduce the risk of infections, especially in older adults who may be more susceptible due to age-related immune changes.
D. Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and supporting the immune system. A well- balanced diet can help older adults fight infections more effectively. However, while important, diet alone may not be as immediately impactful in preventing infections as other measures like hand hygiene and vaccination.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following factors are known to commonly trigger a crisis in patients with sickle cell disease? (Select all that apply)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

A clinic nurse is working with an older client. What action is most important for preventing infections in this client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia. Assessment findings include T 100.4 deg F, RR 30, BP 130/76, HR 100, and SpO2 91% on room air. Which of the following is the PRIORITY intervention?

You are planning on transfusing a unit of blood. Which of the following are appropriate measures to take? (Select all that apply)

A patient with iron deficiency anemia who is taking oral iron supplements is evaluated by the nurse in the outpatient clinic. Which finding by the nurse is of MOST concern?

A patient who has sickle cell disease was admitted with a vaso-occlusive crisis and reports severe abdominal and flank pain. Which of the following analgesic medications will be MOST appropriate to administer to the patient?

The nurse is teaching an elderly client the risks of infection for older adults. Which of the following factors would the nurse include in the education? (Select all that apply.)

The nurse preceptor is teaching the newly graduated nurse about the care and treatment of patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) who are on dialysis treatment. Which of the following statements is TRUE?

Your client is diagnosed with Pernicious Anemia. What is the MOST likely treatment that they will receive?