Question

An obese female patient who had enjoyed active outdoor activities is stressed because osteoarthritis in her hips now limits her activity. Which action by the nurse will best assist the patient to cope with this situation?

a. Have the patient practice frequent relaxation breathing.
b. Ask the patient what outdoor activities she misses the most.
c. Teach the patient to use imagery for reducing pain and stress.
d. Encourage the patient to consider weight loss to improve symptoms.

Answer 1

The nurse can best support the patient by promoting weight loss to reduce joint stress and teaching low-impact exercises, balanced with rest and possibly using mobility aids for symptom improvement. Correct option is D. encourage the patient to consider weight loss to improve symptoms

Step-by-step explanation:

To best assist the patient in coping with her osteoarthritis and limited activity, the most comprehensive approach is to encourage the patient to consider weight loss to improve symptoms. Losing weight can substantially decrease the stress on weight-bearing joints, reducing pain and improving mobility, which can potentially allow the patient to engage in more outdoor activities, albeit with necessary adjustments for low impact.

Additionally, teaching the patient low-impact exercises like swimming, water aerobics, and biking, as well as pain management techniques, can help maintain joint mobility and improve the patient's quality of life. Encouraging a balance between rest and activity, and the use of assisted devices such as canes, also aids in joint stress reduction.