Health Promotion and Maintenance
97. A clinic nurse has a follow-up appointment with an adolescent with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). What topic should be the nurse's top priority?
Health Promotion and Maintenance
97. A clinic nurse has a follow-up appointment with an adolescent with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). What topic should be the nurse's top priority?
. Sleep patterns.
. Participation in daily exercise.
. Information regarding JIA support groups.
. Avoidance of alcohol use.
Test-Taking Tip
The best answer is what not to do (i.e., what to avoid).
Content Area: Child Health, Musculoskeletal; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Analysis; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Reduction of Risk Potential/Potential for Alterations in Body Systems
Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Answer 1 is incorrect because, although children with JIA frequently have sleep disturbances, this is not the top priority. Answer 2 is incorrect because, although children with JIA should participate in regular exercise, this is not the top priority. Answer 3 is incorrect because the child should be informed of support groups, but this is not the top priority. Answer 4 is correct because adolescents with JIA are frequently prescribed medications that are taxing to the liver, including NSAIDs, such as naproxen sodium, and SAARDs (slower-acting antirheumatic drugs), such as methotrexate. Alcohol abuse could cause serious complications when taking these medications. A nurse's top priority takes into consideration that the adolescent is facing increasing peer pressure to drink alcohol, which could lead to hepatotoxicity.