The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with osteoarthritis. ...

[xroflmao]

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Which intervention will the nurse advise the client to do in order to reduce discomfort?
 
  1. Apply ice to the painful joint.
  2. Immerse the painful joint in cold water.
  3. Apply heat pack once a day.
  4. Apply heat to the painful joint several times a day.

Question 2

The nurse may safely delegate which activity to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
 
  1. Sterile warm soak to client's infected postoperative wound
  2. Application of warm moist soak to client's left leg
  3. Determine effectiveness of cold application to reduce client's pain
  4. Responsibilities for the application of a warm pack to client's IV infiltrate

[joneynes]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 4

Heat is more effective for chronic joint pain, and it would be best to have the client apply heat several times a day because the pain is chronic and the effects of the warm pack will subside. Ice or cold water will increase the client's discomfort.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2

Application of warm moist soaks to the client's left leg could be safely delegated to the UAP as long as the nurse instructed the UAP on the optimal temperature of the soak for this client. Sterile procedures must be performed by the nurse, who is also responsible for the application of the warm pack, even if performed by the UAP. Assessing the effectiveness of a cold pack is the nurse's responsibility, and assessment should never be delegated to the UAP.