Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
The client complains of lower back pain and stiffness that worsens in the morning or after periods of inactivity but improves with physical activity.
Which statement accurately describes the hallmark symptom of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
A. "My pain is constant throughout the day.”
The hallmark symptom of Ankylosing Spondylitis is lower back pain and stiffness that worsens in the morning or after periods of inactivity but improves with physical activity. This is known as inflammatory back pain, which is characteristic of Ankylosing Spondylitis. The pain is typically most severe in the morning and gradually improves with activity as the day progresses. This pattern is due to the inflammatory nature of the condition, and it distinguishes Ankylosing Spondylitis from other causes of lower back pain.
B. "My pain is worse with physical activity.”
This statement is incorrect. Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis typically worsens with inactivity and improves with physical activity, which is the opposite of what is described here.
C. "My pain is relieved by heat therapy.”
This statement is incorrect. Heat therapy may provide some temporary relief for muscle tension or minor aches, but it is not the primary method of relieving pain associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis.
D. "My pain radiates to my buttocks.”
This statement is incorrect. Pain radiating to the buttocks is not the hallmark symptom of Ankylosing Spondylitis. While some individuals with the condition may experience radiating pain, it is not the defining characteristic of the disease.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Ankylosing Spondylitis. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The hallmark symptom of Ankylosing Spondylitis is lower back pain and stiffness that worsens in the morning or after periods of inactivity but improves with physical activity.
This is known as inflammatory back pain, which is characteristic of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
The pain is typically most severe in the morning and gradually improves with activity as the day progresses.
This pattern is due to the inflammatory nature of the condition, and it distinguishes Ankylosing Spondylitis from other causes of lower back pain.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is incorrect.
Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis typically worsens with inactivity and improves with physical activity, which is the opposite of what is described here.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is incorrect.
Heat therapy may provide some temporary relief for muscle tension or minor aches, but it is not the primary method of relieving pain associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Choice D rationale:
This statement is incorrect.
Pain radiating to the buttocks is not the hallmark symptom of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
While some individuals with the condition may experience radiating pain, it is not the defining characteristic of the disease.
Similar Questions
During a nursing assessment of a client with Ankylosing Spondylitis, the nurse observes that the client is experiencing buttock pain and stiffness that may radiate to the hips and thighs.
Which statement made by the client aligns with the symptom of sacroiliitis associated with this condition?
A. "My buttock pain only occurs after physical activity.”
This statement is incorrect. Buttock pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis is not solely related to physical activity; it can occur at any time, and it often worsens with inactivity or prolonged periods of sitting.
B. "My hip pain is worse in the morning.”
This statement is not entirely accurate. While pain in the hips can occur in Ankylosing Spondylitis, it is not limited to the morning. The hallmark feature is morning stiffness in the lower back.
C. "My thigh pain improves with rest.”
This statement is incorrect. Pain in the thighs is not typically associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis, and it does not improve with rest.
D. "My buttock pain sometimes extends to my hips.”
This statement aligns with the symptom of sacroiliitis, which is a common feature of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Pain in the buttocks can indeed extend to the hips in individuals with this condition, especially when the inflammation affects the sacroiliac joints.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement is incorrect.
Buttock pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis is not solely related to physical activity; it can occur at any time, and it often worsens with inactivity or prolonged periods of sitting.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is not entirely accurate.
While pain in the hips can occur in Ankylosing Spondylitis, it is not limited to the morning.
The hallmark feature is morning stiffness in the lower back.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is incorrect.
Pain in the thighs is not typically associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis, and it does not improve with rest.
Choice D rationale:
This statement aligns with the symptom of sacroiliitis, which is a common feature of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Pain in the buttocks can indeed extend to the hips in individuals with this condition, especially when the inflammation affects the sacroiliac joints.
A nurse is educating a client about the pharmacological management of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Which class of medications is considered the first-line treatment to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in this condition?
A. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are not typically considered first-line treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis. While they are used in some cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the primary first-line treatment for reducing inflammation and relieving pain in this condition.
B. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are considered the first-line treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis. They help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in affected individuals. This class of medication is often effective in managing the symptoms of the disease.
C. Biologic agents.
Biologic agents are typically reserved for individuals with Ankylosing Spondylitis who do not respond adequately to NSAIDs or have severe, progressive disease. They are not the first-line treatment option.
D. Corticosteroids.
Corticosteroids may be used in some cases to manage acute symptoms or as a short-term intervention, but they are not considered the first-line treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis due to their potential side effects and limited long-term efficacy.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are not typically considered first-line treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis.
While they are used in some cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the primary first-line treatment for reducing inflammation and relieving pain in this condition.
Choice B rationale:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are considered the first-line treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis.
They help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in affected individuals.
This class of medication is often effective in managing the symptoms of the disease.
Choice C rationale:
Biologic agents are typically reserved for individuals with Ankylosing Spondylitis who do not respond adequately to NSAIDs or have severe, progressive disease.
They are not the first-line treatment option.
Choice D rationale:
Corticosteroids may be used in some cases to manage acute symptoms or as a short-term intervention, but they are not considered the first-line treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis due to their potential side effects and limited long-term efficacy.
During a nursing assessment of a client with Ankylosing Spondylitis, the nurse notes limited range of motion in the client's spine, resulting in decreased flexibility.
Which nursing intervention is appropriate for this client?
A. Encourage the client to avoid physical activity to prevent further discomfort.
Encouraging the client to avoid physical activity is not an appropriate intervention. Physical activity and exercise, including range of motion exercises, are essential in managing Ankylosing Spondylitis. Inactivity can worsen symptoms and lead to further stiffness.
B. Recommend surgery to correct the spine's limited range of motion.
Recommending surgery to correct the spine's limited range of motion is not typically the first step in managing Ankylosing Spondylitis. Surgery may be considered in severe cases with spinal deformities, but it is not the initial intervention.
C. Assist the client in performing range of motion exercises and physical therapy.
Assisting the client in performing range of motion exercises and physical therapy is an appropriate nursing intervention. These exercises help maintain and improve flexibility, reduce pain, and slow the progression of the disease. Physical therapy is a key component of Ankylosing Spondylitis management.
D. Administer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as prescribed.
Administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as prescribed can help manage pain and inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis, but it is not a nursing intervention related to improving range of motion. It is essential to combine NSAID therapy with exercise and physical therapy for optimal management of the condition. Questions
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging the client to avoid physical activity is not an appropriate intervention.
Physical activity and exercise, including range of motion exercises, are essential in managing Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Inactivity can worsen symptoms and lead to further stiffness.
Choice B rationale:
Recommending surgery to correct the spine's limited range of motion is not typically the first step in managing Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Surgery may be considered in severe cases with spinal deformities, but it is not the initial intervention.
Choice C rationale:
Assisting the client in performing range of motion exercises and physical therapy is an appropriate nursing intervention.
These exercises help maintain and improve flexibility, reduce pain, and slow the progression of the disease.
Physical therapy is a key component of Ankylosing Spondylitis management.
Choice D rationale:
Administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as prescribed can help manage pain and inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis, but it is not a nursing intervention related to improving range of motion.
It is essential to combine NSAID therapy with exercise and physical therapy for optimal management of the condition.
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