A client with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is on the postoperative ...

[appyboo]

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?
  a.
  Assist the client to change positions.
  b.
  Document the findings in the client's chart.
  c.
  Encourage range of motion of the neck.
  d.
  Notify the provider immediately.

Question 2

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 Sjgren's syndrome?
 
  a. Abdominal assessment
  b. Oxygen saturation
  c. Renal function studies
  d. Visual acuity

[elizabethrperez]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Clients with RA can have cervical joint involvement. This can lead to an emergent situation in which the phrenic nerve is compressed, causing respiratory insufficiency. The client can also suffer a permanent spinal cord injury. The nurse needs to notify the provider immediately. Changing positions and doing range of motion may actually worsen the situation. The nurse should document findings after notifying the provider.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Sjgren's syndrome is seen in clients with RA and manifests with dryness of the eyes, mouth, and vagina in females. Visual disturbances can occur. The other assessments are not related to RA and Sjgren's syndrome.

[appyboo]

Thank you

[elizabethrperez]

No problemo