A nurse is assessing a patient with osteoarthritis.
What aspects should the nurse include in the assessment?

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

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring the patient's blood pressure is not directly related to the care of a patient with osteoarthritis.

It is important to focus on assessments related to joint function and pain management.

Choice B rationale:

Assessing the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living is important in the plan of care for a patient with osteoarthritis.

It helps determine the impact of the condition on their daily life and guides interventions to maintain independence.

Choice C rationale:

Evaluating the patient's range of motion in the affected joint is essential for assessing the severity of osteoarthritis and planning appropriate interventions.

Limited range of motion is a common symptom of osteoarthritis.

Choice D rationale:

Administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as needed is a medical intervention, not a nursing assessment.

The nurse may administer medications based on the healthcare provider's orders but does not assess the need for medication.

Choice E rationale:

Observing for signs of joint inflammation, such as swelling and redness, is an important nursing assessment for a patient with osteoarthritis.

These signs can indicate disease activity and may guide treatment decisions.