The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. In order to reduce joint discomfort, the patient should:
Explanation
• To reduce joint discomfort, the patient should avoid overreaching and
• Because symptoms increase with inactivity, the patient should stretch or reposition frequently.
• Using large joints instead of small ones for ordinary tasks can help relieve pressure, for instance, closing a door with the hip or pushing buttons with the palm of the hand.
• When joints are inflamed, the patient should avoid exercises that might worsen discomfort, except for simple range-of-motion.
• The patient should slide objects and avoid lifting them.