The nurse explores nonpharmacological approaches with an older client with chronic osteoarthritis pain. What is the best action for the nurse to teach to the client?

Question

1. Weight control should eliminate osteoarthritis-related knee pain.
2. Avoid activities that increase osteoarthritis-related discomfort.
3. When pain medications are taken regularly, other pain interventions are not needed.
4. Daily swimming is a useful adjunct to prescribed pain medication.

Answer 1

4. Daily swimming is a useful adjunct to prescribed pain medication.

Explanation: 1. Nonpharmacological approaches are more effective when used with pharmacological therapy. Though weight loss or control can help with pain, it is not an expectation that this is the only intervention required.
2. Avoiding activities that increase pain is not always possible or advisable. The client should limit exposure to uncomfortable activities or positions.
3. Pharmacological interventions work better when used with non pharmacological interventions.
4. Greater reductions in pain are seen when pharmacological and nonpharmacological techniques are combined.