A client with osteoarthritis experiences crepitus, a grinding or cracking sensation when moving the joint.
What nursing action is appropriate for this client?
Encourage the client to avoid moving the joint to prevent further damage.
Administer a high dose of oral steroids to reduce inflammation.
Provide analgesics to alleviate the crepitus sensation.
Educate the client on joint protection techniques and exercises.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging the client to avoid moving the joint to prevent further damage is not the best approach.
Complete immobilization can lead to joint contractures and loss of function.
It's important to educate the client on joint protection techniques and safe exercises to maintain joint function.
Choice B rationale:
Administering a high dose of oral steroids to reduce inflammation is not typically the first-line treatment for crepitus in osteoarthritis.
Steroids have potential side effects and should be prescribed by a healthcare provider based on the patient's overall condition.
Choice C rationale:
Providing analgesics to alleviate the crepitus sensation may offer temporary pain relief, but it does not address the underlying issue of joint protection and mobility.
Choice D rationale:
Educating the client on joint protection techniques and exercises is the most appropriate nursing action for a client with osteoarthritis experiencing crepitus.
These techniques can help manage symptoms, improve joint function, and minimize further joint damage.
Questions
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Maintaining a healthy weight." Maintaining a healthy weight is an essential preventive strategy for osteoarthritis.
Excess weight can put added stress on joints, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis and worsening symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
"Avoiding all forms of physical activity." This statement is not appropriate because physical activity, when done correctly, can actually help prevent osteoarthritis or manage its symptoms.
Avoiding all physical activity is not a recommended strategy.
Choice C rationale:
"Engaging in regular physical activity." This is the correct choice.
Regular physical activity, such as low-impact exercises and strength training, can help prevent osteoarthritis and improve joint health.
It also helps in managing the condition if already present.
Choice D rationale:
"Smoking regularly." Smoking is not a preventive strategy for osteoarthritis, and it can have numerous adverse health effects.
It is not recommended as a part of osteoarthritis prevention.
Choice E rationale:
"Practicing joint protection techniques." This is another correct choice.
Joint protection techniques, such as using assistive devices, maintaining proper posture, and avoiding excessive joint stress, are essential for preventing further joint damage in individuals with osteoarthritis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"You should avoid using any pain medications to prevent addiction." This statement is not appropriate because it promotes the avoidance of pain medications, which may be necessary for managing pain in osteoarthritis.
Opioid addiction is a concern, but it is not the only option for pain management.
Patients should be educated about the appropriate use of medications and the importance of following their prescribed treatment plan.
Choice B rationale:
"It's important to adhere to your prescribed medications for pain relief." This is the correct choice.
It emphasizes the importance of adhering to the prescribed pain medications, which is crucial for effective pain management in osteoarthritis.
Non-adherence can lead to inadequate pain control and decreased quality of life.
Choice C rationale:
"You should apply heat and cold therapy simultaneously for the best results." This statement is incorrect as it suggests using heat and cold therapy simultaneously, which may not be the most effective approach for osteoarthritis pain.
Heat and cold therapies are often used alternately, depending on the type of pain and inflammation.
Choice D rationale:
"You don't need to worry about managing pain; it will improve on its own." This statement is inappropriate as it downplays the importance of pain management in osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, and pain management is essential for improving the patient's comfort and quality of life.
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