Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 88%
Full-length
Which psychosocial problem should the nurse identify as priority for a client diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Alteration in comfort is the priority psychosocial problem for a client diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is primarily characterized by chronic pain, stiffness, and inflammation, directly leading to significant alteration in comfort. Unmanaged pain is the most pervasive and immediate psychosocial stressor, impacting all aspects of a client's life, including mood, sleep, activity, and relationships. Addressing comfort through effective pain management is foundational to improving overall well-being and enabling the client to address other psychosocial challenges.
B: Ineffective coping. Ineffective coping is often a secondary response or consequence of persistent, unmanaged pain and discomfort. While important, it is not the primary underlying psychosocial problem that drives the need for intervention in RA.
C: Anxiety. Anxiety is a common emotional response to chronic pain, functional limitations, and the unpredictable nature of rheumatoid arthritis. However, it often arises from the persistent discomfort and uncertainty, making comfort a more foundational and immediate priority.
D: Altered body image. Altered body image can develop due to joint deformities and functional changes in RA. However, it is typically a later or less universally experienced concern compared to the pervasive and immediate impact of chronic pain and discomfort on a client's daily life.
B: Ineffective coping. Ineffective coping is often a secondary response or consequence of persistent, unmanaged pain and discomfort. While important, it is not the primary underlying psychosocial problem that drives the need for intervention in RA.
C: Anxiety. Anxiety is a common emotional response to chronic pain, functional limitations, and the unpredictable nature of rheumatoid arthritis. However, it often arises from the persistent discomfort and uncertainty, making comfort a more foundational and immediate priority.
D: Altered body image. Altered body image can develop due to joint deformities and functional changes in RA. However, it is typically a later or less universally experienced concern compared to the pervasive and immediate impact of chronic pain and discomfort on a client's daily life.