Final answer:
The most suitable statement by the nurse during a psychosocial assessment for a client with severe rheumatoid arthritis is to ask about their support system. This question allows the client to share about the social support available to them, an important factor in managing the challenges of RA.
Step-by-step explanation:
When performing a psychosocial assessment on a client with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the most appropriate statement by the nurse is "How is your support system for dealing with the disease?" This open-ended question invites the client to share about their social support network, which plays a crucial role in managing the psychological and social challenges that accompany a chronic illness like RA. It acknowledges the significance of having a strong support system without presuming the client's emotional state or predicting a negative impact on their life.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory joint disease, often resulting in joint deformation, loss of movement, and severe disability. It primarily affects the synovial joints, causing pain, swelling, and reduced mobility, and can lead to complications in organs such as lungs and heart. Treatment options are designed to alleviate symptoms and prevent joint damage, including exercise, medications, and possibly surgery for more extensive damage.