Question

A client has begun to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. She is also being assessed for disorders of the immune system. She works as an aide at a facility that cares for children infected with AIDS. Which of the following is the most important factor related to the patient's assessment?
a) Her age
b) Her home environment
c) Her diet
d) Her use of other drugs

Answer 1

d) her use of other drugs is the most important factor related to the patient's assessment.

Explanation:

1. The nurse needs to focus more on patient's drug history.This data will allow the nurse to evaluate the patient's vulnerability to disease because certain past illnesses  and medications such as corticosteroids decrease the inflammatory and immune responses.
2. The patient's age, home environment and diet don't have any serious consequences during her assessment because they don't indicate her vulnerability to illness.