Which activity should the nurse suggest to the client with osteoarthritis as being most likely to slow the development of disabilities associated with osteoarthritis?

Question

A. Eating less red meat and starchy vegetables
B. Avoiding any form of physical exercise
C. Swimming 3 times per week
D. Taking an aspirin daily

Answer 1

C
Exercising on a regular basis is important; however, the exercise should not put more stress on the diseased joint. Thus, weight-bearing exercises must be engaged in cautiously. Swimming allows the movement of all joints with less stress because the force of gravity on the joint is greatly reduced. No diet has been found effective in slowing disease progression. Aspirin may held re-duce discomfort and, if inflammation is present, may help reduce inflammation (although an as-pirin daily is not a therapeutic dose), but does not prevent complications or slow progression.