of Practical Nursing II (2026) Q&A
1. A client with osteoarthritis asks the nurse about the cause of the condition. Which
response by the nurse is most accurate?
A) "Osteoarthritis is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the joints."
B) "Osteoarthritis is caused by long-term wear and tear on the joints."
C) "Osteoarthritis is caused by a bacterial infection in the joint."
D) "Osteoarthritis is caused by a diet high in purines."
Correct Answer: "Osteoarthritis is caused by long-term wear and tear on the joints."
Rationale: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by long-term or excessive
wear and tear on the joints, leading to cartilage breakdown. It is not an autoimmune
disorder like rheumatoid arthritis, an infectious process, or a metabolic condition like gout.
2. Which type of arthritis is characterized by chronic inflammation of the synovial
membrane?
A) Osteoarthritis
B) Rheumatoid arthritis
C) Gout
D) Osteoporosis
Correct Answer: Rheumatoid arthritis
,Rationale: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects
the synovial membrane of joints, leading to joint destruction and systemic symptoms.
Osteoarthritis is degenerative, gout is metabolic, and osteoporosis affects bone density
rather than the synovial membrane.
3. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is experiencing an acute flare. Which laboratory
finding should the nurse expect?
A) Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate
B) Elevated C-reactive protein
C) Decreased white blood cell count
D) Low serum uric acid
Correct Answer: Elevated C-reactive protein
Rationale: Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition, so acute-phase reactants
such as C-reactive protein and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate are typically elevated
during a flare. White blood cell count may be normal or elevated, and uric acid is associated
with gout, not RA.
4. Which food should a client with gout be instructed to avoid?
A) Fresh fruits
B) Organ meats
C) Leafy greens
D) Whole grains
Correct Answer: Organ meats
, Rationale: Gout is caused by hyperuricemia, and purine-rich foods such as organ meats,
shellfish, and red meat can raise uric acid levels and trigger attacks. Fresh fruits, leafy
greens, and whole grains are generally low in purines and can be part of a gout-friendly
diet.
5. A client with osteoporosis is at highest risk for which type of fracture?
A) Hip fracture
B) Clavicle fracture
C) Scaphoid fracture
D) Tibial plateau fracture
Correct Answer: Hip fracture
Rationale: Osteoporosis causes decreased bone density and increased fragility, making
hip fractures a common and serious consequence, especially in older adults. Clavicle,
scaphoid, and tibial plateau fractures are more often associated with trauma.
6. Which instruction should the nurse include for a client taking alendronate for
osteoporosis?
A) Take the medication at bedtime with a snack
B) Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication
C) Take the medication with calcium supplements
D) Lie down immediately after taking the medication
Correct Answer: Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication