A nurse asks a patient to describe his new onset of leg pain. He slept well through the night, but this morning he suddenly developed pain in his left lower leg that is red and too painful to touch. Nothing relieves the pain. Based on these data, the nurse suspects which disorder is causing this pain?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sudden onset of pain and erythema in the great toe, ankle, and lower leg suggests gout (also called gouty arthritis). Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often have morning stiffness lasting 1 to 2 hours. Patients with osteoarthritis experience pain when bearing weight that is relieved by rest. Tendonitis may awaken the patient, especially when the patient is lying on the affected limb.

A Nurse Asks a Patient to Describe His New Onset