The home health nurse is doing a follow-up visit to a 41-year-old ...

[jrubin]

The home health nurse is doing a follow-up visit to a 41-year-old patient with recently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Which assessment made by the nurse indicates that more patient teaching is needed?
 
  a. The patient takes a 2-hour nap each day.
  b. The patient has been taking 16 aspirins daily.
  c. The patient sits on a stool while preparing meals.
  d. The patient sleeps with two pillows under the head.

Question 2

When the nurse brings medications to a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, the patient refuses the prescribed methotrexate (Rheumatrex). The patient tells the nurse, My arthritis isn't that bad yet.
 
  The side effects of methotrexate are worse than the arthritis. The most appropriate response by the nurse is
  a. You have the right to refuse to take the methotrexate.
  b. Methotrexate is less expensive than some of the newer drugs.
  c. It is important to start methotrexate early to decrease the extent of joint damage.
  d. Methotrexate is effective and has fewer side effects than some of the other drugs.

[kalskdjl1212]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The joints should be maintained in an extended position to avoid contractures, so patients should use a small, flat pillow for sleeping. The other information is appropriate for a patient with RA and indicates that teaching has been effective.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are prescribed early to prevent the joint degeneration that occurs as soon as the first year with RA. The other statements are accurate, but the most important point for the patient to understand is that it is important to start DMARDs as quickly as possible.

[jrubin]

Correct answers!

[kalskdjl1212]

Great! Please up vote