A client with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) asks the nurse about the pathophysiology of their condition.
Which statement by the client demonstrates an accurate understanding of RA's pathophysiology?

Choice A rationale:

Administering analgesics for pain relief is an appropriate nursing intervention for managing RA.

Pain relief is an essential aspect of care for clients with RA to improve their quality of life and promote comfort.

Choice B rationale:

Teaching the client relaxation techniques is an appropriate nursing intervention.

Stress reduction can help manage RA symptoms, as stress can exacerbate inflammation and pain in RA patients.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging smoking as a stress-relief method is not an appropriate nursing intervention.

Smoking is a known risk factor for RA and can worsen the condition.

It should be discouraged, especially in RA patients.

Choice D rationale:

Providing joint protection techniques is an important nursing intervention for managing RA.

Teaching clients how to protect their joints from further damage and manage activities of daily living can improve their overall functioning.

Choice E rationale:

Recommending high-impact aerobic exercise is not an appropriate nursing intervention for managing RA.

High-impact exercises can exacerbate joint pain and inflammation in RA patients.

Low-impact exercises, on the other hand, are often recommended.

Choice A rationale:

Teaching the patient that they don't need to take medications if they feel fine is incorrect.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that requires continuous management.

Even when patients feel fine, they should adhere to their prescribed medications and treatment regimens to prevent disease progression and manage symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the patient to adhere to prescribed medications and treatment regimens is the correct answer.

The nurse's role in educating a patient with RA is to emphasize the importance of compliance with medication and treatment plans.

RA is a progressive disease, and timely intervention is crucial in preventing joint damage and deformities.

Medications such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can help control inflammation and slow down the progression of the disease.

Choice C rationale:

Advising the patient to avoid exercise to prevent joint stress is incorrect.

Exercise is an essential component of RA management.

It helps maintain joint mobility, strengthen muscles around the joints, and improve overall function.

The nurse should encourage the patient to engage in appropriate and recommended exercises as part of their treatment plan.

Choice D rationale:

Recommending the patient rely solely on emotional support to cope with the disease is incorrect.

While emotional support is valuable in managing chronic conditions like RA, it is not a substitute for medical treatment and adherence to prescribed medications.

Patients should have a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medical management, physical therapy, and emotional support.