Lab results are back for a client who has limiting joint pain. Synovial fluid analysis shows no uric acid crystals or bacteria. The client asks what the test results mean. How should the nurse respond?
A)"These test results mean that your joint pain is likely not caused by gout or septic arthritis."
B)"These test results mean that your joint pain is likely not related to any form of arthritis."
C)"These test results mean that your joint pain is likely caused by either rheumatoid arthritis or septic arthritis."
D)"These test results mean that your joint pain is likely caused by either cancer of the joint or gout."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)Gout is caused by the collection of uric acid crystals in a joint. The absence of uric acid crystals in the synovial fluid (joint fluid)makes gout unlikely. Septic arthritis is caused by infection, so the absence of bacteria makes sepsis unlikely. However, this test does not rule out osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, so these are still possible diagnoses. Although the nurse may provide information related to which conditions have been ruled out, providing a medical diagnosis is outside the nurse's scope of practice.
B)Gout is caused by the collection of uric acid crystals in a joint. The absence of uric acid crystals in the synovial fluid (joint fluid)makes gout unlikely. Septic arthritis is caused by infection, so the absence of bacteria makes sepsis unlikely. However, this test does not rule out osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, so these are still possible diagnoses. Although the nurse may provide information related to which conditions have been ruled out, providing a medical diagnosis is outside the nurse's scope of practice.
C)Gout is caused by the collection of uric acid crystals in a joint. The absence of uric acid crystals in the synovial fluid (joint fluid)makes gout unlikely. Septic arthritis is caused by infection, so the absence of bacteria makes sepsis unlikely. However, this test does not rule out osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, so these are still possible diagnoses. Although the nurse may provide information related to which conditions have been ruled out, providing a medical diagnosis is outside the nurse's scope of practice.
D)Gout is caused by the collection of uric acid crystals in a joint. The absence of uric acid crystals in the synovial fluid (joint fluid)makes gout unlikely. Septic arthritis is caused by infection, so the absence of bacteria makes sepsis unlikely. However, this test does not rule out osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, so these are still possible diagnoses. Although the nurse may provide information related to which conditions have been ruled out, providing a medical diagnosis is outside the nurse's scope of practice.

Lab Results Are Back for a Client Who Has Limiting