A patient with arthritis is complaining of sensitivity and warmth in the elbow and wrist joints. To determine the degree of limitation or injury, the nurse can assess which of the following?
a. Posture
b. Activity tolerance
c. Body mechanics
d. Range of motion
D
The easiest intervention to maintain or improve joint mobility for patients and one that you are able to coordinate with other activities is the use of range-of-motion exercises. Joints that are not moved periodically develop contractures, a permanent shortening of a muscle followed by the eventual shortening of associated ligaments and tendons. Over time the joint becomes fixed in one position, and the patient loses normal use of the joint. The term posture means maintaining optimal body position. Activity tolerance assesses the patient's ability to become fatigued, ligh-theaded, dizzy, or short of breath related to activity. Body mechanics require knowledge of proper walking, turning, and lifting and carrying objects in a way to prevent injury.
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