Question

A 58-year-old patient has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hands and feet. The patient tells the nurse, "I am afraid that I will be hopelessly crippled in just a few years!" The best response by the nurse is that

a. progression of OA can be prevented with a regimen of exercise, diet, and drugs.
b. OA is an inflammatory process with periods of exacerbation and remission.
c. joint degeneration with pain and deformity occurs with OA by age 60 to 70.
d. OA is common with aging, but usually it is localized and does not cause deformity.

Answer 1

The best response by the nurse to a patient with OA concerns would be to reassure that, while OA cannot be cured, it typically does not lead to severe crippling disability and can be managed with appropriate lifestyle changes, exercise, and medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient's concern about being "hopelessly crippled" due to osteoarthritis (OA) can be addressed by the nurse explaining that while OA is indeed a degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and some deformation, it is not necessarily the case that it will lead to severe disability. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, which is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that can lead to more severe joint destruction, OA tends to be more localized and related to 'wear and tear'. The progression can be managed with a combination of exercise, weight management, and medications to reduce pain and maintain joint function.

The best response by the nurse to the patient afraid of being hopelessly crippled would be "OA is common with aging, but usually it is localized and does not cause crippling deformity. With a proper regimen of exercise, diet, monitored by your healthcare provider, and medications as needed, it is possible to manage the symptoms and maintain a good quality of life". This provides the patient with a hopeful outlook and encourages them to be proactive in managing their condition.