Final answer:
To manage pain in rheumatoid arthritis, the focus is on reducing symptoms through rest, exercise, medications, and possibly surgery for severe cases. Medications range from anti-inflammatory drugs to corticosteroid injections and anti-rheumatic drugs to slow disease progression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best goal for pain control in a client with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is to reduce symptoms and prevent further joint damage. Initially, rest and the use of joint splints can help minimize inflammation. When inflammation subsides, exercise is recommended to strengthen the supportive muscles and maintain flexibility. In the presence of more extensive joint damage, various medications including anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, topical pain relievers, and corticosteroid injections, can be administered to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
For severe joint damage, surgery may be considered as a treatment option. Additionally, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are used to slow disease progression by targeting the underlying autoimmune response causing joint and cartilage damage.