ORIF
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis asks the nurse about her condition. On what knowledge does the nurse base patient teaching?
Rheumatoid arthritis is thought to be an autoimmune disorder.
Calcium is a mineral found in many foods that can slow bone loss during the aging process. Which food is high in calcium?
Spinach
What should the nurse include in the teaching plan for a patient who is taking alendronate (Fosamax)?
Take drug first thing in the morning.
What should the nurse do when a patient with osteomyelitis is admitted with an open wound that is draining?
Initiate drainage and secretion precautions.
What should the home health nurse include assessment for in the plan of care for an 82-year-old female with severe kyphosis from ankylosis?
Respiratory effort
A female patient diagnosed with osteoarthritis has numerous questions for the nurse about the disorder. In answering her questions, what does the nurse relay regarding osteoarthritis?
Considered to be a consequence of aging
A 56-year-old female patient is being seen for osteoarthritis of the knee in the clinic. What should the nurse recommend when discussing strengthening exercises?
Bicycling
The patient has been diagnosed as having gouty arthritis. The patient asks the nurse to explain the cause of the inflammation of the great toe. What is the most appropriate nursing response?
“The inflammation is from small accumulations of uric acid crystals, which are called tophi.”
The 14-year-old boy who is scheduled for left leg amputation says to the nurse, “What in the world am I going to do with only one leg?” What is the nurse’s most therapeutic response?
“What are you thinking about right now?”
What should the nurse stress to a patient who has had a hip replacement and is beginning strengthening exercises for the unaffected leg?
Push foot down against the footboard for a count of five.
A patient with a chronic musculoskeletal disorder is asking the nurse about alternative therapies for her condition. On what knowledge does the nurse base the response?
Glucosamine supplements have been linked with reduced articular pain, lessened joint tenderness, and less restricted joint movement in persons with arthritis.
A patient who has had a right below the knee amputation continues to complain of unpleasant sensation in the right foot. What can the nurse explain about this “phantom pain”?
It is related to the severed nerves that are still sending messages to the brain.
When the patient with rheumatoid arthritis complains about the daily exercise, the nurse encouragingly reminds the patient that exercises:
keeps the joints from “freezing.”
A patient has undergone a bipolar hip repair (hemiarthroplasty). Which is the most appropriate instruction?
Avoid crossing the legs.
The office nurse has noted the presence of an increase in lumbar curvature in a 20-year-old female patient. What is this condition known as?
Lordosis
What is fibromyalgia syndrome?
Musculoskeletal chronic pain syndrome of unknown etiology
Which patient statement indicates the need for additional teaching for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who is taking meloxicam (Mobic)?
“I take aspirin before I go to bed.”
The nurse clarifies to a patient who is being evaluated for possible rheumatoid arthritis that the elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate indicates the presence of:
increased inflammatory reaction in the body.
The nurse explains to a patient who has had a knee replacement that warfarin (Coumadin) is ordered to:
prevent formation of emboli.
How is rheumatoid arthritis distinguished from osteoarthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune, systemic disease; osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints.
Certain foods may increase the pain associated with gout. Which foods have the highest concentration of purines?
Brain, liver, kidney
Which foods should the home health nurse suggest for the patient with osteoporosis to help slow the disease?
Leafy green vegetables
What should the nurse instruct the patient before the initiation of the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)?
Get an eye examination.
What should the nurse stress to a post–hip replacement patient in quadriceps setting exercises?
Push knee down to mattress and raise heel off the bed.
Which patient is most likely to develop osteoporosis?
57-year-old white woman