Question

The client complains of fatigue and joint pain and reports that they are unable to walk due to pain in the knee. What is the most appropriate statement by the nurse?

A) "We'll conduct a few diagnostic tests to identify the cause of your pain."
B) "Let's start with some physical therapy to alleviate the discomfort."
C) "I'll administer some pain medication to relieve the symptoms."
D) "It's important to keep the affected knee immobile for a few days.

Answer 1

The nurse should suggest conducting diagnostic tests to identify the cause of the patient's fatigue and knee joint pain. It's important to diagnose the condition accurately, which could range from an injury to arthritis, before choosing a treatment approach.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate statement by the nurse to a patient complaining of fatigue and knee joint pain, unable to walk due to the pain, would be option A: "We'll conduct a few diagnostic tests to identify the cause of your pain." This response is most fitting as it addresses the need to understand the underlying issue causing the symptoms before proceeding with treatment. It is crucial to accurately diagnose the condition, whether it's an injury, osteoarthritis—which is the most common cause of hip disability and can affect other joints—or an autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system malfunctions and attacks the joints. Diagnostic tests are essential to guide appropriate treatment, such as physical therapy, medication, or other pain management techniques.