Question

When assessing a client with degenerative joint disease, the nurse observes Heberden;s nodes, large prominences on the clients fingers that are reddened. The client reports that the nodes are painful. Which action should the nurse take?

Select one:

a. Assess the client radial pulses and capillary refill

b. discuss approaches to chronic pain with control with the client.

c. review the clients dietary intake of high protein foods

d. notify the healthcare provider of the findings immediately

Answer 1

Herbedens node are seen in osteoarthritis patients . Typically seen in middle age , at the distal interphalangeal joint.
the nurse should -

b. Discuss approach to chronic pain with control with the client . As it is seen in osteoarthritis and it causes chronic pain as a symptom .
c) high intake of protein is not a risk factor for osteoarthritis it is for gout .
d) notify the healthcare provider immediately is not required because it is not an emergency situation.