A nurse is providing education to a patient newly diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Which statement accurately reflects the nurse's role in educating the patient about managing the disease?
"I should teach the patient that they don't need to take medications if they feel fine.”
"I should encourage the patient to adhere to prescribed medications and treatment regimens.”
"I should advise the patient to avoid exercise to prevent joint stress.”
"I should recommend the patient rely solely on emotional support to cope with the disease.”
The Correct Answer is B
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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Advising the patient to avoid using assistive devices to maintain independence is incorrect.
Assistive devices can be helpful in reducing joint stress and preserving independence for individuals with RA.
Encouraging their use when necessary is part of joint protection strategies.
Choice B rationale:
Telling the patient that they don't need to modify any activities and continue as usual is not appropriate.
Patients with RA may need to make modifications to their daily activities to protect their joints and manage their condition effectively.
Encouraging appropriate modifications is essential.
Choice C rationale:
Recommending the patient practice joint protection techniques and use assistive devices when necessary is the correct answer.
Joint protection techniques, such as using proper body mechanics and avoiding activities that strain the joints, can help minimize further damage.
Assistive devices like splints or braces can also aid in joint protection.
Choice D rationale:
Suggesting the patient engage in vigorous exercise to strengthen their joints is not appropriate advice.
While exercise is beneficial, it should be tailored to the patient's specific needs and limitations.
Vigorous exercise without proper guidance can exacerbate joint inflammation in RA.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Applying heat to affected joints can help alleviate pain and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis.
Heat therapy promotes muscle relaxation and increased blood flow to the joints, improving comfort.
Choice B rationale:
Engaging in high-impact aerobic exercises can be detrimental to individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
High-impact activities can exacerbate joint pain and inflammation.
Therefore, this is not an appropriate intervention.
Choice C rationale:
Taking disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) as prescribed is a crucial part of managing rheumatoid arthritis.
These medications can slow disease progression and reduce symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
Limiting physical activity to prevent joint damage is not recommended for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
While it's essential to avoid overexertion and high-impact activities, maintaining regular, low-impact exercise is beneficial for joint health.
Choice E rationale:
Performing regular joint-strengthening exercises can help improve joint stability and reduce pain in rheumatoid arthritis.
Strengthening exercises can be an essential part of a comprehensive self-management strategy.
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