Phyllis Gould, 73 years old, has noticed an increase in morning stiffness in her back, hips, and knees. Her grandchildren laugh when she walks across the room because her toes and feet "snap, crackle, and pop
" Her fingers have developed prominent enlarged joints, and her knees have increased in size. Mrs. Gould explains that she thinks she has rheumatoid arthritis, but she does not have "hot" swollen joints. Mrs. Gould's cousin had severe and debilitating rheumatoid arthritis. What is important for Mrs. Gould to know?
a. She is too old for joint replacement surgery
b. Her symptoms are more typical of degenerative joint disease
c. She should decrease exercise and weight-bearing activities
d. Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are a normal consequence of aging
B
The symptoms of morning stiffness, increased joint size of fingers and knees, and a snapping sound when the joint is manipulated are classic for degenerative joint disease. At age 73, she is not too old (response A) for joint replacement. Responses C and D are incorrect. Exercises that assist with mobility and function are appropriate for an older adult with degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are very common chronic diseases of aging people, but they are not considered part of the normal aging process.
You might also like to view...
The Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are evaluating a large, university medical center according to core measures. Evaluators should perform this evaluation in what way?
A) By auditing the medical center's electronic health records B) By performing focus groups and interviews with care providers from numerous disciplines C) By performing statistical analysis of patient satisfaction surveys D) By comparing the center's patient outcomes to best practice indicators
What is the function of the thymus gland?
A) Produces stem cells B) Programs B lymphocytes to become regulator or effector B cells C) Develops the lymphatic system D) Programs T lymphocytes to become regulator or effector T cells
When reviewing the medical record of a child, which of the following would the nurse interpret as the most sensitive indicator of intellectual disability?
A) History of seizures B) Preterm birth C) Vision deficit D) Language delay
The nurse is counseling a pregnant 35-year-old woman about estimated risk of Down syndrome. What is the estimated risk for a woman who is 35 years of age?
a. One in 1200 b. One in 900 c. One in 350 d. One in 100