A nurse is providing care for a patient who has a recent diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA). What aspect of physical assessment should the nurse prioritize?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Assessment of the patient with GCA focuses on musculoskeletal tenderness, weakness, and decreased function. Careful attention should be directed toward assessing the head (for changes in vision, headaches, and jaw claudication). There is not a particular clinical focus on the potential for bleeding, hand and foot pain, or thoracic pain.

A Nurse Is Providing Care for a Patient Who Has