Osteoarthritis Exam 2025 Questions & Answers with 100% Correct Answers | Verified

c Rationale: Aspirin therapy is continuous and is effective only if therapeutic blood levels are reached. It is not taken intermittently. The other statements are appropriate self-care measures when taking aspirin for osteoarthritis. - An obese client with degenerative joint disease is being managed with aspirin therapy. The nurse determines that additional teaching is needed when which client statement is made? a "I use heat sometimes to help reduce my pain and stiffness." b "I frequently examine my stools for bleeding." c "I take my aspirin when I have extreme pain or stiffness." d "I started an exercise program to lose weight." b,d Rationale: Heat, not ice, can be applied to the area, and moist heat is most effective at reducing pain and inflammation. A common approach to physical therapy includes paraffin wax treatments, where the client inserts the painful joint into warm liquid paraffin, which holds in the heat for an extended period of time and can be very comforting. Joints tend to stiffen and become more painful during periods of inactivity, so a moderate activity plan can help to prevent this. NSAIDs may be administered, but this is pharmacological treatment, not non-pharmacological treatment. X-rays may be performed for diagnosis, but do not treat the pain. - Non-pharmacological pain management for a client with osteoarthritis include: (Select all that apply.) a X-ray