A home health patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) complains to the nurse about having chronically dry eyes and a dry mouth. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's dry eyes and oral mucous membranes are consistent with Sjögren's syndrome, a common extraarticular manifestation of RA. Symptomatic therapy such as OTC eye drops is recommended. Dry eyes and mouth are not side effects of methotrexate. Although dry eyes and mouth are common in RA, it is more helpful to offer a suggestion to relieve these symptoms than to offer reassurance. Rinsing the mouth to decrease oral dryness is appropriate, but the frequent use of antiseptic mouthwashes is not appropriate unless the patient has oral symptoms that require this.

A Home Health Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Complains to the Nurse