What nursing intervention is most effective for relieving joint stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis?

What nursing intervention is most effective for relieving joint stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis?

• A. Take a warm shower prior to activities
• B. Take an aspirin after activity to help decrease inflammation
• C. Lose 10 pounds of weight
• D. Apply cold compresses to joints for 30-45 minutes

Answer: (A)

Warmth before activity directly targets stiffness by increasing blood flow, relaxing surrounding muscles, and improving tissue elasticity, which makes joints easier to move and reduces the morning stiffness that RA patients often experience. A warm shower before activities helps loosen the joints and prepare the body for movement, leading to better range of motion and comfort during activity. The other options don’t address pre-activity joint loosening as effectively: cold applications can dampen movement and may worsen stiffness after they wear off; taking an anti-inflammatory after activity helps inflammation but doesn’t prep the joints for movement; weight loss helps long-term joint load but doesn’t provide immediate relief of stiffness.

Warmth before activity directly targets stiffness by increasing blood flow, relaxing surrounding muscles, and improving tissue elasticity, which makes joints easier to move and reduces the morning stiffness that RA patients often experience. A warm shower before activities helps loosen the joints and prepare the body for movement, leading to better range of motion and comfort during activity. The other options don’t address pre-activity joint loosening as effectively: cold applications can dampen movement and may worsen stiffness after they wear off; taking an anti-inflammatory after activity helps inflammation but doesn’t prep the joints for movement; weight loss helps long-term joint load but doesn’t provide immediate relief of stiffness.