Exam 18: Care of Patients with Arthritis and Other Connective Tissue Diseases

The nurse working in the rheumatology clinic is seeing clients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).What assessment would be most important for the client whose chart contains the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome?

A client with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)has an acutely swollen,red,and painful joint.What nonpharmacologic treatment does the nurse apply?

A client has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.The client has experienced increased fatigue and worsening physical status and is finding it difficult to maintain the role of elder in his cultural community.The elder is expected to attend social events and make community decisions.Stress seems to exacerbate the condition.What action by the nurse is best?

An older client has returned to the surgical unit after a total hip replacement.The client is confused and restless.What intervention by the nurse is most important to prevent injury?

A client in the orthopedic clinic has a self-reported history of osteoarthritis.The client reports a low-grade fever that started when the weather changed and several joints started "acting up," especially both hips and knees.What action by the nurse is best?

A client is getting out of bed into the chair for the first time after an uncemented hip replacement.What action by the nurse is most important?

What action by the perioperative nursing staff is most important to prevent surgical wound infection in a client having a total joint replacement?

A client with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)is on the postoperative nursing unit after having elective surgery.The client reports that one arm feels like "pins and needles" and that the neck is very painful since returning from surgery.What action by the nurse is best?

The nurse is working with clients who have connective tissue diseases.Which disorders are correctly paired with their manifestations? (Select all that apply.)