When caring for a client with osteoarthritis, which nursing intervention is essential to promote joint mobility and reduce stiffness?
Encouraging the client to avoid physical activity to prevent further joint damage.
Applying cold packs to the affected joints to reduce inflammation and pain.
Assisting the client with range-of-motion exercises regularly.
Administering muscle relaxants to relieve joint stiffness.
The Correct Answer is C
Assisting the client with range-of-motion exercises regularly is an essential nursing intervention to promote joint mobility and reduce stiffness in individuals with osteoarthritis. These exercises help maintain joint flexibility and prevent further joint contractures. Encouraging the client to avoid physical activity can lead to joint stiffness and worsen the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Applying cold packs can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation, but it is not a primary intervention to promote joint mobility. Administering muscle relaxants may not be the best approach to address joint stiffness in osteoarthritis.
a. Encouraging the client to avoid physical activity is not recommended. Regular low-impact exercises, such as swimming or walking, are beneficial for joint health and mobility in clients with osteoarthritis.
b. Applying cold packs can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation but is not a primary intervention for promoting joint mobility in osteoarthritis.
d. Administering muscle relaxants may not be the best approach for addressing joint stiffness in osteoarthritis. Range-of-motion exercises and physical therapy are more effective interventions for improving joint mobility.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Instructing the client to take frequent breaks during activities to rest the affected joints helps reduce stress and prevent worsening of symptoms. Avoiding the use of assistive devices can lead to increased joint strain and pain, so it is essential to encourage their appropriate use. Performing high-impact exercises is not recommended, as they can worsen joint pain and damage. Applying a heating pad for an extended period is not advisable, as it can cause burns and skin irritation.
b. "Avoid using assistive devices to prevent dependency on them." Encouraging the appropriate use of assistive devices is important for clients with osteoarthritis to reduce joint stress during daily activities.
c. "Perform high-impact exercises regularly to strengthen your joints." High-impact exercises can exacerbate joint pain and damage in clients with osteoarthritis. Low-impact exercises are recommended instead.
d. "Apply a heating pad for at least 1 hour to alleviate joint pain." Applying a heating pad for an extended period can cause burns and skin irritation. Using a heating pad for short intervals is appropriate for pain relief.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
X-ray of the joint is the most appropriate diagnostic test to evaluate for osteoarthritis. X-ray can show joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, and changes in bone density, which are typical findings in osteoarthritis. A complete blood count (CBC) and rheumatoid factor (RF) blood test are used to assess for inflammation and autoimmune markers, respectively, which are more indicative of inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis. Synovial fluid analysis is usually performed to assess for infection or inflammation in the joint and may not be as helpful in diagnosing osteoarthritis.
a. A complete blood count (CBC) is used to assess for general health and detect various conditions, but it is not specific to osteoarthritis.
b. A rheumatoid factor (RF) blood test is used to diagnose inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis.
d. Synovial fluid analysis is usually performed to assess for infection or inflammation in the joint, but it may not provide definitive evidence of osteoarthritis.
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