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
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Obesity is a primary risk factor associated with the development of osteoarthritis.
Excess body weight places increased mechanical stress on weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips, which can lead to the degeneration of joint cartilage and the development of osteoarthritis.
Choice B rationale:
Genetic factors can contribute to the risk of developing osteoarthritis, but they are not the primary risk factor.
Obesity and joint injury are more commonly recognized as primary risk factors.
Choice C rationale:
Advanced age is a risk factor for osteoarthritis, particularly in older individuals.
However, it is not the primary risk factor.
Obesity and joint injury play more significant roles in the development of the condition.
Choice D rationale:
Joint injury, such as fractures or repetitive trauma, can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis, but it is not the primary risk factor.
Obesity is a more significant primary risk factor.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering a muscle relaxant is not the appropriate intervention for a patient with osteoarthritis who experiences joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
Muscle relaxants are typically used for muscle spasms, not for osteoarthritis pain management.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging increased physical activity may worsen the patient's joint pain in osteoarthritis, as it can exacerbate the symptoms.
Osteoarthritis is characterized by joint degeneration, and excessive physical activity can lead to further joint damage and pain.
Choice C rationale:
Providing rest and joint protection strategies is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with osteoarthritis who experiences joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
Rest helps reduce stress on the affected joints, and joint protection strategies, such as using assistive devices or wearing joint-supporting braces, can help alleviate pain and prevent further damage.
Choice D rationale:
Suggesting the use of a heating pad may provide some temporary relief for joint pain, but it does not address the underlying issue of joint protection and rest, which is more important in managing osteoarthritis symptoms.
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