A nurse is teaching a client who has rheumatoid arthritis about illness management.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
A.
Apply cold packs directly on the skin of the affected joints.
B.
Administer biological response modifiers to prevent infection
C.
Take a hot shower in the morning to decrease stiffness.
D.
Cluster physical activities during the day
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C: Take a hot shower in the morning to decrease stiffness.
Explanation:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Managing RA involves various strategies to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. Let’s analyze why option C is the correct choice and why the other options are less appropriate.
Option C: Take a hot shower in the morning to decrease stiffness.
Taking a hot shower in the morning can be beneficial for individuals with RA. Heat helps to relax muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce stiffness in the joints. Warm water can help soothe and loosen stiff joints, making it easier to move and perform daily activities. This approach aligns with common recommendations for RA management, as applying heat can provide relief from the discomfort associated with stiffness.
Option A: Apply cold packs directly on the skin of the affected joints.
Cold packs can be useful for reducing inflammation and numb pain in RA, but they should not be applied directly to the skin. Cold packs should be wrapped in a cloth or towel to avoid frostbite or skin damage. Applying cold can help manage acute inflammation and swelling but is typically used after periods of activity or during flare-ups, rather than as a routine measure.
Option B: Administer biological response modifiers to prevent infection.
Biological response modifiers are a class of medications used to manage RA by targeting specific components of the immune system to reduce inflammation. While these medications are important in the treatment of RA, they are not used to prevent infections but to control disease activity. It is crucial to monitor for infections as a side effect of these drugs, but the primary purpose is disease management rather than infection prevention.
Option D: Cluster physical activities during the day.
Clustering physical activities throughout the day can be counterproductive for someone with RA. Instead, it is generally recommended to balance activity with rest to avoid overexertion and exacerbation of symptoms. Frequent rest periods are encouraged to manage fatigue and prevent joint strain. Spreading out activities and incorporating regular rest periods helps maintain overall joint function and reduce the risk of flare-ups.
In summary, option C, taking a hot shower in the morning to decrease stiffness, is the most appropriate advice for managing RA symptoms. It directly addresses stiffness and can provide immediate relief, making it an effective part of a daily management plan.