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A patient is discussing symptoms of fibromyalgia with an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and is worried about the effect of the condition on life. The APRN suggests treatment to help control symptoms. Which treatment should be recommended to this patient?

a) Low-impact aerobic exercise
b) High-dose steroid therapy
c) Antidepressant medications
d) Surgery

User Dummzeuch
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

To manage fibromyalgia symptoms, low-impact aerobic exercises are recommended for their pain-reducing and mood-enhancing benefits. Other treatments include pain medications, antidepressants, and psychotherapy, while options like high-dose steroids and surgery are not commonly used.

Step-by-step explanation:

To control the symptoms of fibromyalgia, which is a long-term condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue, the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) should recommend low-impact aerobic exercise. Though there is no definitive cure for fibromyalgia, treatments aim to ease symptoms and improve quality of life. Aerobic exercises can increase the production of certain neurochemicals, providing a euphoric effect similar to "runner's high", which could improve mood and reduce pain. Other management options include pain medications like acetaminophen or NSAIDs, and in some cases, antidepressant medications may be prescribed for their pain-relieving properties. Non-pharmacological strategies such as psychotherapy could also be beneficial in managing the psychological aspects of fibromyalgia. High-dose steroid therapy and surgery are typically not indicated for fibromyalgia treatment.

User Mwalling
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