- A patient with rheumatoid arthritis has been takingmethotrexate, a DMARD, for two weeks. Which laboratory data wouldwarrant an intervention by the nurse?
- A serum creatinine level of 0.9 mg/dL.
- A red blood cell count of 2.5 million/mm.
- A white blood cell count of 9000/mm.
- A hemoglobin of 14.5 g/dL and hematocrit of 43%.
- A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed prednisone, aglucocorticoid, for an acute episode of pain. The patient asks thenurse, “Why can’t I be on this forever since it helps the pain somuch?” Which statement would be the nurse’s best response?
- “The medication will cause you ho have a buffalo hump or moonface.”
- “The medication has long-term side effects, such asosteoporosis.”
- “If you continue taking the medication, it may cause anAddisonian crisis.”
- “There are other medications that can be prescribed to help thepain.”
- A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is taking etodolac, anonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The patient iscomplaining of a headache. Which action should the nurse implement?
- Administer two aspirins to the patient.
- Administer an additional dose of etodolac.
- Administer one oral narcotic analgesi
- Administer two acetaminophen tablets.
- A patient diagnosed with an acute gout attack is prescribedallopurinol. Which data indicates the medication is effective?
- The patient has been symptom-free for several days.
- The patient has developed an aversion reaction to alcohol.
- The serum uric acid levels are within normal limits.
- The patient develops tophi in the joints of the feet.
- A female patient with osteoarthritis tells the clinic nurse shestarted taking ginkgo biloba. Which action should the nurse takefirst?
- Determine what medications the patient is currentlytaking.
- Praise the patient because this herb helps decreaseinflammation.
- Notify the healthcare provider immediately that the patient istaking ginkgo.
- Examine why the patient thought she needed to take theherb.
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