A nurse is providing education to a client with osteoarthritis about weight management.
What should the nurse explain regarding the importance of weight management in managing osteoarthritis symptoms?

Choice A rationale:

"Treatment primarily involves surgery." This statement is incorrect.

Surgery is not the primary treatment for osteoarthritis.

Surgery may be considered in severe cases when conservative treatments are ineffective, but it is not the primary approach.

Choice B rationale:

"There are no effective treatments for osteoarthritis." This statement is entirely inaccurate.

There are various effective treatments available for osteoarthritis, including medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.

This choice is misleading and provides incorrect information.

Choice C rationale:

"Medications, physical therapy, and weight management are part of the treatment plan." This is the correct choice.

It accurately describes the primary components of osteoarthritis treatment, which often include medications for pain and inflammation, physical therapy to improve joint function, and weight management to reduce excess stress on joints.

Choice D rationale:

"Treatment mainly focuses on avoiding any physical activity to rest the joints." This statement is incorrect and not a recommended approach.

While rest and joint protection are important, completely avoiding physical activity is not the standard treatment for osteoarthritis.

Controlled and appropriate physical activity is encouraged.

Choice A rationale:

"Evaluation of pain, range of motion, and impact on daily activities." This is the correct choice.

When assessing a patient with osteoarthritis, it is essential to evaluate their pain level, range of motion in affected joints, and the impact of the condition on their daily activities.

These assessments help in developing a comprehensive care plan.

Choice B rationale:

"Assessment of respiratory function and lung sounds." Assessing respiratory function and lung sounds is not directly relevant to the assessment of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis primarily affects the joints and musculoskeletal system, not the respiratory system.

Choice C rationale:

"Measurement of blood pressure and heart rate." Monitoring blood pressure and heart rate is essential in many healthcare settings but is not specific to the assessment of osteoarthritis.

These vital signs are typically checked for overall health assessment and may not provide relevant information about the condition itself.

Choice D rationale:

"Assessment of skin integrity and wound healing." Assessing skin integrity and wound healing is not a standard part of the assessment for osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis primarily involves the joints and surrounding tissues, not the skin or wounds.

Questions