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Rheumatoid Arthritis w/ Joint Arthroplasty Hesi Case Study Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is scheduled for a total knee arthroplasty. What is the priority preoperative nursing teaching?✔✔Explain the importance of performing deep breathing, coughing, and incentive spirometry after surgery
A client with rheumatoid arthritis reports morning stiffness that lasts several hours. What is the best nursing intervention?✔✔Encourage warm showers and gentle range-of-motion exercises to relieve stiffness
A patient recovering from joint arthroplasty asks why a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine is being used. What should the nurse explain?✔✔The CPM machine helps improve joint mobility and prevents stiffness after surgery
An older adult with rheumatoid arthritis complains of fatigue. What should the nurse encourage?✔✔Balance rest with activity and plan tasks for times of highest energy 1 / 3
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A patient with joint arthroplasty is at risk for infection. What is the nurse’s priority action?✔✔Monitor surgical site for redness, swelling, drainage, or increased pain
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis experiences difficulty opening medication bottles due to hand deformities. What should the nurse recommend?✔✔Use adaptive devices such as easy-grip openers or prepackaged medications
A patient with joint arthroplasty is prescribed anticoagulants. What should the nurse teach the patient?✔✔Report signs of bleeding such as bruising, nosebleeds, or black stools
A client post-arthroplasty is worried about blood clots. What is the best nursing action?✔✔Encourage early ambulation and use of compression stockings
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis reports severe joint pain. What is the priority nursing action?✔✔Administer prescribed pain medication and assess effectiveness
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A client with a knee arthroplasty asks when they can return to driving. What is the appropriate nursing response?✔✔Wait until cleared by the surgeon and able to safely control the leg without pain medications
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis reports difficulty eating due to hand deformities. What is the best nursing intervention?✔✔Provide adaptive utensils with larger handles to promote independence
A nurse notices that a patient with rheumatoid arthritis has difficulty sleeping due to pain. What is the best advice?✔✔Encourage use of heat packs or warm baths before bedtime for comfort
A client post-arthroplasty is receiving physical therapy. What is the nurse’s role?✔✔Reinforce exercises taught by the therapist and encourage participation
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. What teaching is most important?✔✔Report any signs of infection, as the drug suppresses the immune system
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