Nursing 354 Autoimmune Disorders
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Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download
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1. A nurse is teaching a client about autoimmune disorders. Which statement
best describes an autoimmune disorder?
A. The immune system is unable to recognize any foreign substances.
B. The immune system attacks the body's own tissues.
C. The immune system produces excessive red blood cells.
D. The immune system completely stops producing antibodies.
Answer: The immune system attacks the body's own tissues.
Rationale: Autoimmune disorders occur when immune responses are directed
against self-antigens, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage.
2. Which finding is most characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus?
A. Butterfly-shaped facial rash
B. Persistent productive cough
C. Unilateral leg swelling
D. Severe hypoglycemia
Answer: Butterfly-shaped facial rash
,Rationale: A malar or butterfly-shaped facial rash across the cheeks and bridge
of the nose is a classic manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus.
3. A client with rheumatoid arthritis reports morning stiffness. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Encourage prolonged bed rest.
B. Apply cold packs immediately after waking.
C. Encourage gentle range-of-motion exercises after a warm shower.
D. Restrict all joint movement.
Answer: Encourage gentle range-of-motion exercises after a warm shower.
Rationale: Warmth can reduce stiffness, while gentle exercise helps maintain
joint mobility and function.
4. Which laboratory test is commonly associated with systemic lupus
erythematosus?
A. Troponin I
B. Antinuclear antibody
C. Serum amylase
D. Hemoglobin A1c
Answer: Antinuclear antibody
Rationale: Antinuclear antibodies are frequently present in systemic lupus
erythematosus and are useful in the diagnostic evaluation.
5. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. Which
instruction is most important?
A. Take extra doses when joint pain increases.
B. Avoid all physical activity.
C. Report signs of infection promptly.
D. Stop the medication whenever symptoms improve.
Answer: Report signs of infection promptly.
,Rationale: Methotrexate suppresses immune function and can increase infection
risk. Clients should promptly report fever, sore throat, or other infection
symptoms.
6. Which assessment finding is commonly associated with systemic lupus
erythematosus?
A. Photosensitivity
B. Severe hearing loss
C. Enlarged thyroid
D. Persistent bradycardia
Answer: Photosensitivity
Rationale: Photosensitivity is a common manifestation of systemic lupus
erythematosus, and ultraviolet exposure may trigger or worsen symptoms.
7. A client with rheumatoid arthritis asks why the joints are painful and
swollen. What is the nurse's best response?
A. "The condition causes autoimmune inflammation of the joints."
B. "The symptoms are caused exclusively by aging."
C. "The symptoms result from excess calcium deposits."
D. "The joints are damaged because the bones are infected."
Answer: "The condition causes autoimmune inflammation of the joints."
Rationale: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease in
which immune activity targets the synovial tissues of joints.
8. Which medication is commonly used as a disease-modifying antirheumatic
drug for rheumatoid arthritis?
A. Acetaminophen
B. Methotrexate
C. Diphenhydramine
D. Furosemide
Answer: Methotrexate
, Rationale: Methotrexate is a commonly prescribed disease-modifying
antirheumatic drug that can reduce disease activity and slow joint damage.
9. Which finding in a client with systemic lupus erythematosus requires the
most immediate follow-up?
A. Mild fatigue
B. Photosensitivity
C. New onset of decreased urine output
D. Mild joint discomfort
Answer: New onset of decreased urine output
Rationale: Reduced urine output may indicate renal involvement, such as lupus
nephritis, which can become a serious complication of systemic lupus
erythematosus.
10.Which teaching is appropriate for a client with systemic lupus
erythematosus?
A. "Avoid using sunscreen."
B. "Increase ultraviolet exposure gradually."
C. "Use protective clothing and sunscreen when outdoors."
D. "Sun exposure prevents disease flares."
Answer: Use protective clothing and sunscreen when outdoors.
Rationale: Ultraviolet exposure can exacerbate systemic lupus erythematosus.
Protective clothing and sunscreen help reduce exposure.
11.A client with rheumatoid arthritis has swollen finger joints. Which nursing
intervention is appropriate?
A. Encourage complete immobilization of the hands.
B. Promote prescribed exercises to maintain joint mobility.
C. Apply continuous ice for 24 hours.
D. Encourage repetitive high-impact activity.
Answer: Promote prescribed exercises to maintain joint mobility.
Practice Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download
1. A nurse is teaching a client about autoimmune disorders. Which statement
best describes an autoimmune disorder?
A. The immune system is unable to recognize any foreign substances.
B. The immune system attacks the body's own tissues.
C. The immune system produces excessive red blood cells.
D. The immune system completely stops producing antibodies.
Answer: The immune system attacks the body's own tissues.
Rationale: Autoimmune disorders occur when immune responses are directed
against self-antigens, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage.
2. Which finding is most characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus?
A. Butterfly-shaped facial rash
B. Persistent productive cough
C. Unilateral leg swelling
D. Severe hypoglycemia
Answer: Butterfly-shaped facial rash
,Rationale: A malar or butterfly-shaped facial rash across the cheeks and bridge
of the nose is a classic manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus.
3. A client with rheumatoid arthritis reports morning stiffness. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Encourage prolonged bed rest.
B. Apply cold packs immediately after waking.
C. Encourage gentle range-of-motion exercises after a warm shower.
D. Restrict all joint movement.
Answer: Encourage gentle range-of-motion exercises after a warm shower.
Rationale: Warmth can reduce stiffness, while gentle exercise helps maintain
joint mobility and function.
4. Which laboratory test is commonly associated with systemic lupus
erythematosus?
A. Troponin I
B. Antinuclear antibody
C. Serum amylase
D. Hemoglobin A1c
Answer: Antinuclear antibody
Rationale: Antinuclear antibodies are frequently present in systemic lupus
erythematosus and are useful in the diagnostic evaluation.
5. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. Which
instruction is most important?
A. Take extra doses when joint pain increases.
B. Avoid all physical activity.
C. Report signs of infection promptly.
D. Stop the medication whenever symptoms improve.
Answer: Report signs of infection promptly.
,Rationale: Methotrexate suppresses immune function and can increase infection
risk. Clients should promptly report fever, sore throat, or other infection
symptoms.
6. Which assessment finding is commonly associated with systemic lupus
erythematosus?
A. Photosensitivity
B. Severe hearing loss
C. Enlarged thyroid
D. Persistent bradycardia
Answer: Photosensitivity
Rationale: Photosensitivity is a common manifestation of systemic lupus
erythematosus, and ultraviolet exposure may trigger or worsen symptoms.
7. A client with rheumatoid arthritis asks why the joints are painful and
swollen. What is the nurse's best response?
A. "The condition causes autoimmune inflammation of the joints."
B. "The symptoms are caused exclusively by aging."
C. "The symptoms result from excess calcium deposits."
D. "The joints are damaged because the bones are infected."
Answer: "The condition causes autoimmune inflammation of the joints."
Rationale: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease in
which immune activity targets the synovial tissues of joints.
8. Which medication is commonly used as a disease-modifying antirheumatic
drug for rheumatoid arthritis?
A. Acetaminophen
B. Methotrexate
C. Diphenhydramine
D. Furosemide
Answer: Methotrexate
, Rationale: Methotrexate is a commonly prescribed disease-modifying
antirheumatic drug that can reduce disease activity and slow joint damage.
9. Which finding in a client with systemic lupus erythematosus requires the
most immediate follow-up?
A. Mild fatigue
B. Photosensitivity
C. New onset of decreased urine output
D. Mild joint discomfort
Answer: New onset of decreased urine output
Rationale: Reduced urine output may indicate renal involvement, such as lupus
nephritis, which can become a serious complication of systemic lupus
erythematosus.
10.Which teaching is appropriate for a client with systemic lupus
erythematosus?
A. "Avoid using sunscreen."
B. "Increase ultraviolet exposure gradually."
C. "Use protective clothing and sunscreen when outdoors."
D. "Sun exposure prevents disease flares."
Answer: Use protective clothing and sunscreen when outdoors.
Rationale: Ultraviolet exposure can exacerbate systemic lupus erythematosus.
Protective clothing and sunscreen help reduce exposure.
11.A client with rheumatoid arthritis has swollen finger joints. Which nursing
intervention is appropriate?
A. Encourage complete immobilization of the hands.
B. Promote prescribed exercises to maintain joint mobility.
C. Apply continuous ice for 24 hours.
D. Encourage repetitive high-impact activity.
Answer: Promote prescribed exercises to maintain joint mobility.
