Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis ( 15 Questions)
A nurse is assessing a patient with osteoarthritis.
Which interventions should the nurse consider for managing this patient's condition? Select all that apply.
Encouraging weight loss and a healthy diet to reduce stress on joints is a valid intervention. Excess weight is a significant risk factor for osteoarthritis, and weight loss can help alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
Recommending physical therapy to improve joint flexibility and strength is a beneficial intervention for managing osteoarthritis. Physical therapy can help patients maintain joint function, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life.
Suggesting the use of opioid medications for long-term pain management is not typically the first-line treatment for osteoarthritis. Opioids are associated with significant risks and should only be considered when other pain management strategies have been ineffective or when the pain is severe and disabling.
Advising the patient to avoid all physical activity to prevent joint damage is not a suitable intervention. While some modifications to physical activity may be necessary for individuals with osteoarthritis, complete avoidance of physical activity can lead to muscle weakness and decreased joint mobility, which can worsen the condition.
Administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief is a suitable intervention for managing osteoarthritis.
NSAIDs can help reduce pain and inflammation in affected joints.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging weight loss and a healthy diet to reduce stress on joints is a valid intervention.
Excess weight is a significant risk factor for osteoarthritis, and weight loss can help alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
Choice C rationale:
Recommending physical therapy to improve joint flexibility and strength is a beneficial intervention for managing osteoarthritis.
Physical therapy can help patients maintain joint function, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life.
Choice D rationale:
Suggesting the use of opioid medications for long-term pain management is not typically the first-line treatment for osteoarthritis.
Opioids are associated with significant risks and should only be considered when other pain management strategies have been ineffective or when the pain is severe and disabling.
Choice E rationale:
Advising the patient to avoid all physical activity to prevent joint damage is not a suitable intervention.
While some modifications to physical activity may be necessary for individuals with osteoarthritis, complete avoidance of physical activity can lead to muscle weakness and decreased joint mobility, which can worsen the condition.