A nurse is assessing a patient with osteoarthritis.
The patient reports joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
What nursing intervention is appropriate for this patient?
Administering a muscle relaxant.
Encouraging increased physical activity.
Providing rest and joint protection strategies.
Suggesting the use of a heating pad.
The Correct Answer is C
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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Joint deformity is not a common complication of osteoarthritis." This statement is inaccurate.
Joint deformities can occur in osteoarthritis, especially when the disease progresses.
It is essential to provide accurate information to the client.
Choice B rationale:
"There are surgical options available to correct joint deformities." While there are surgical options available for joint deformities, this statement does not directly address the client's concern about the risk of developing joint deformities due to osteoarthritis.
Choice C rationale:
"Ongoing joint damage can lead to deformities like bow-leggedness or knock-knees." This is the correct choice.
It addresses the client's concern by explaining that ongoing joint damage in osteoarthritis can indeed lead to joint deformities, such as bow-leggedness or knock-knees.
Providing this information helps the client understand the potential consequences of their condition.
Choice D rationale:
"Joint deformities are only seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis." This statement is incorrect because joint deformities can occur in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
It does not provide accurate information about the client's specific concern.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Advising the client to perform high-impact aerobic exercises is not appropriate for someone with osteoarthritis, especially if they complain of stiffness.
High-impact exercises can place excessive stress on the affected joints and worsen symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Recommending ice packs to the affected joint regularly may temporarily reduce inflammation and provide relief, but it does not address the issue of stiffness or promote joint flexibility.
Choice C rationale:
Encouraging the client to keep the joint immobile to prevent further stiffness is not the best approach.
Immobilization can lead to joint contractures and loss of range of motion.
It's important to promote gentle movement and flexibility exercises to manage stiffness in osteoarthritis.
Choice D rationale:
Instructing the client on gentle range-of-motion exercises is the most appropriate education to address stiffness in osteoarthritis.
These exercises can help maintain joint flexibility, reduce stiffness, and improve overall joint function.
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