The nurse is caring for a patient who has diabetes and reports chronic, burning leg pain even when taking oxycodone (OxyContin) twice daily. Which prescribed medication is the best choice for the nurse to administer as an adjuvant to decrease the patient's pain?

A. Smoking has been associated with an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees and hips. Smoking may contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress, which can exacerbate joint damage.

D. Aging is a significant risk factor for osteoarthritis. As individuals age, the cartilage in their joints may naturally deteriorate over time, leading to the development of osteoarthritis.

E. Obesity is a well-established risk factor for osteoarthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. Excess body weight places increased stress on the joints, leading to accelerated wear and tear of the joint cartilage.

B. Bacteria are not typically associated with the development of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is primarily a non-inflammatory condition related to wear and tear on the joints rather than an infectious process.

C. Diuretics are medications used to treat conditions such as hypertension and edema by increasing urine output. There is no direct evidence linking diuretic use to the development of osteoarthritis.

A. This technique helps to prevent pressure ulcers and assists in maintaining proper spinal alignment, which is essential after such a surgery.

B. Clear drainage on the spinal dressing is not typically expected and could indicate an infection or other complication.

C. Assisting the client to sit upright in a chair for extended periods is not standard practices immediately following spinal fusion, as these actions may put undue stress on the spine during the critical initial healing phase.

D. Elevating the client's legs while sitting are not standard practices immediately following spinal fusion, as these actions may put undue stress on the spine during the critical initial healing phase