Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB) Metabolic/Inflammatory/Tumors Practice Exam

What is the expected nursing intervention for a patient with psoriatic arthritis?

1. Begin treatment immediately to obtain a cure of the condition

2. Control symptoms and begin treatment to suppress the condition

3. Consult dermatology for likely skin grafting

4. Begin antifungal treatment

The correct answer is: Control symptoms and begin treatment to suppress the condition

Choosing to control symptoms and begin treatment to suppress the condition is the correct approach for a patient with psoriatic arthritis. This condition is a chronic inflammatory disorder that not only affects the skin but also manifests in joint pain and swelling. Immediate treatment focused on symptom management and suppression of inflammation is essential to improve the patient's quality of life and function. Psoriatic arthritis can often be managed with a combination of medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications to keep symptoms under control. Unlike a definitive cure, which does not exist for chronic conditions like this, the focus of nursing interventions and treatment should be on alleviating pain and preventing progression of the disease. In contrast, some options do not align with the standard management practices for psoriatic arthritis. For instance, immediate treatment to obtain a cure is not realistic, as there is no known cure for this chronic condition. Consulting dermatology for skin grafting is unnecessary unless there are specific complications that warrant such procedures. Lastly, beginning antifungal treatment is not relevant in the context of psoriatic arthritis, as it is an autoimmune inflammatory condition rather than a fungal infection. Hence, managing symptoms while beginning treatment to suppress the underlying condition is paramount.