The nurse is preparing a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for discharge. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
A) Exposure to sunlight will help control skin rashes.
B) There are no activity limitations between flare-ups.
C) Monitor body temperature.
D) Corticosteroids may be stopped when symptoms are relieved.
Ans: C
Feedback: Fever can signal an exacerbation and should be reported to the physician. Sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light may precipitate severe skin reactions and exacerbate the disease. Fatigue can cause a flare-up of SLE. Patients should be encouraged to pace activities and plan rest periods. Corticosteroids must be gradually tapered because they can suppress the function of the adrenal gland. Abruptly stopping corticosteroids can cause adrenal insufficiency, a potentially life-threatening situation.
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An older adult client with poor nutritional intake is demonstrating signs of poor wound healing. Which actions by the nurse are appropriate?
Select all that apply. A) Ensure an adequate fluid intake. B) Assist with deep-breathing exercises. C) Medicate for pain prior to dressing changes. D) Request a dietary consult for nutritional support. E) Encourage ambulation.
A client, with a recent closed head injury, began experiencing partial (focal) seizures and asks the nurse to explain why this is happening. Which is the best response from the nurse?
A) "It is not uncommon for seizure activity to occur after head trauma." B) "Only a portion of your brain has been irritated." C) "Generalized seizures are much worse and involve the entire brain." D) "Electrical impulses become confused and chaotic resulting in a seizure."
Which statement by the patient demonstrates health literacy?
a. "I speak and understand little English but will do what I am told." b. "I will take my medications after I ask the nurse a few questions." c. "I have not taken my prescribed antibiotics because I can't read the labels." d. "I stopped my medications when I started feeling better."
A client who has multiple sclerosis develops total urinary incontinence. What initial treatment should the nurse tell the client to expect?
a. anticholinergic medications b. indwelling catheter to a collection bag c. intermittent self-catheterization of the urinary bladder d. surgery to create a permanent ileal conduit