The nurse is caring for a client with suspected connective tissue disease. Assessment findings include chronic back pain, weight loss, joint pain and itching, and visual disturbances. The nurse anticipates a diagnosis of which disorder for this client?
Rationale: Chronic back pain, weight loss, joint pain and itching, and visual disturbances describe signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. Reiter syndrome is characterized by burning upon urination, joint pain, and eye infection with pain, redness, and drainage. Marfan syndrome presents with excessive height, elongated hands and feet, scoliosis, and cardiovascular problems. Signs and symptoms of systemic necrotizing vasculitis include peripheral arterial disease with severe pain and necrosis of fingers or toes, kidney or heart failure, and stroke-like symptoms.
