ATI Medical-Surgical Immune/Infectious
Disorders Exam Questions with Correct
Answers (VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A Instant Download PDF
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has systemic scleroderma.
Which finding should the nurse expect?
A. Excessive salivation
B. Finger contractures
C. Periorbital edema
D. Increased joint mobility
Rationale: Systemic scleroderma causes excessive collagen
deposition, resulting in thickening and hardening of the skin and
connective tissues. Progressive tightening of the skin around the
fingers can restrict joint movement and produce contractures.
Raynaud phenomenon, vascular changes, and involvement of
internal organs can also occur. Excessive salivation is not an
expected characteristic finding.
,2. A client with rheumatoid arthritis reports severe joint pain
during an acute flare. Which intervention should the nurse
recommend?
A. Perform vigorous active range-of-motion exercises
B. Massage the affected joints forcefully
C. Use prescribed heat or cold therapy and allow periods of
joint rest
D. Maintain complete bed rest until the flare resolves
Rationale: During an acute inflammatory flare of rheumatoid
arthritis, the joints are painful, swollen, and inflamed. Heat or
cold therapy can help decrease discomfort, while rest reduces
stress on inflamed joints. Prolonged complete immobilization is
undesirable because it promotes stiffness and loss of function.
Exercise is important during rheumatoid arthritis but should be
adjusted according to disease activity.
3. A client with rheumatoid arthritis asks which laboratory
finding may support the diagnosis. Which test should the
nurse identify?
A. Troponin I
B. Serum amylase
C. Rheumatoid factor
D. Serum bilirubin
,Rationale: Rheumatoid factor is an autoantibody that is
frequently present in clients with rheumatoid arthritis. Although
it is not completely specific and can be positive in other
conditions, it can support the clinical diagnosis. Anti-cyclic
citrullinated peptide antibodies are also highly useful in
evaluating rheumatoid arthritis.
4. A nurse is teaching a client who has systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE). Which instruction is most appropriate?
A. Increase exposure to sunlight
B. Avoid all physical activity
C. Use sun protection and avoid excessive ultraviolet exposure
D. Discontinue medications when symptoms improve
Rationale: Ultraviolet exposure can precipitate or worsen SLE
manifestations, particularly cutaneous and systemic flares.
Clients should use protective clothing, sunscreen, and other
strategies to minimize ultraviolet exposure. Activity should be
balanced with rest rather than completely avoided, and
prescribed medications should not be stopped without
consultation with the healthcare provider.
, 5. A client with SLE develops increasing blood pressure and
peripheral edema. Which complication should the nurse
suspect?
A. Otitis media
B. Renal involvement
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Appendicitis
Rationale: SLE can cause lupus nephritis, an inflammatory renal
complication that may impair kidney function. Hypertension,
edema, proteinuria, and changes in renal laboratory values can
indicate renal involvement. Early recognition is important
because progressive renal disease can lead to chronic kidney
impairment.
6. A client with SLE asks why corticosteroids may be
prescribed. Which explanation by the nurse is accurate?
A. They permanently eliminate the autoimmune disorder.
B. They increase antibody production.
C. They suppress inflammation and immune activity.
D. They prevent all future infections.
Rationale: Corticosteroids reduce inflammatory and immune-
mediated activity and are commonly used when autoimmune
disease is significantly active. They do not cure SLE or
Disorders Exam Questions with Correct
Answers (VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A Instant Download PDF
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has systemic scleroderma.
Which finding should the nurse expect?
A. Excessive salivation
B. Finger contractures
C. Periorbital edema
D. Increased joint mobility
Rationale: Systemic scleroderma causes excessive collagen
deposition, resulting in thickening and hardening of the skin and
connective tissues. Progressive tightening of the skin around the
fingers can restrict joint movement and produce contractures.
Raynaud phenomenon, vascular changes, and involvement of
internal organs can also occur. Excessive salivation is not an
expected characteristic finding.
,2. A client with rheumatoid arthritis reports severe joint pain
during an acute flare. Which intervention should the nurse
recommend?
A. Perform vigorous active range-of-motion exercises
B. Massage the affected joints forcefully
C. Use prescribed heat or cold therapy and allow periods of
joint rest
D. Maintain complete bed rest until the flare resolves
Rationale: During an acute inflammatory flare of rheumatoid
arthritis, the joints are painful, swollen, and inflamed. Heat or
cold therapy can help decrease discomfort, while rest reduces
stress on inflamed joints. Prolonged complete immobilization is
undesirable because it promotes stiffness and loss of function.
Exercise is important during rheumatoid arthritis but should be
adjusted according to disease activity.
3. A client with rheumatoid arthritis asks which laboratory
finding may support the diagnosis. Which test should the
nurse identify?
A. Troponin I
B. Serum amylase
C. Rheumatoid factor
D. Serum bilirubin
,Rationale: Rheumatoid factor is an autoantibody that is
frequently present in clients with rheumatoid arthritis. Although
it is not completely specific and can be positive in other
conditions, it can support the clinical diagnosis. Anti-cyclic
citrullinated peptide antibodies are also highly useful in
evaluating rheumatoid arthritis.
4. A nurse is teaching a client who has systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE). Which instruction is most appropriate?
A. Increase exposure to sunlight
B. Avoid all physical activity
C. Use sun protection and avoid excessive ultraviolet exposure
D. Discontinue medications when symptoms improve
Rationale: Ultraviolet exposure can precipitate or worsen SLE
manifestations, particularly cutaneous and systemic flares.
Clients should use protective clothing, sunscreen, and other
strategies to minimize ultraviolet exposure. Activity should be
balanced with rest rather than completely avoided, and
prescribed medications should not be stopped without
consultation with the healthcare provider.
, 5. A client with SLE develops increasing blood pressure and
peripheral edema. Which complication should the nurse
suspect?
A. Otitis media
B. Renal involvement
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Appendicitis
Rationale: SLE can cause lupus nephritis, an inflammatory renal
complication that may impair kidney function. Hypertension,
edema, proteinuria, and changes in renal laboratory values can
indicate renal involvement. Early recognition is important
because progressive renal disease can lead to chronic kidney
impairment.
6. A client with SLE asks why corticosteroids may be
prescribed. Which explanation by the nurse is accurate?
A. They permanently eliminate the autoimmune disorder.
B. They increase antibody production.
C. They suppress inflammation and immune activity.
D. They prevent all future infections.
Rationale: Corticosteroids reduce inflammatory and immune-
mediated activity and are commonly used when autoimmune
disease is significantly active. They do not cure SLE or
