The nurse is educating a client recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis about home care and symptom management. Which of the following client statements indicates a need for further teaching?

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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation and damage to synovial joints; progressive fibrosis of joint membranes results in pain, deformity, and stiffness. Over time, remodeling of joint capsules and associated pain reduce the ability to perform activities of daily living (eg, toileting, bathing, dressing) and engage in routine tasks (eg, walking, opening doors). To maximize functional ability and quality of life, the nurse should educate clients with RA about home-care and symptom-management strategies: Perform gentle range-of-motion exercises daily to maintain joint flexibility (Option A). Apply moist heat packs to stiff joints and ice packs to painful joints (Option B). Plan frequent rest periods to reduce fatigue and inflammation of affected joints during activities (Option D). (Option C) Clients with RA should be instructed to sleep and rest in a flat, neutral position. Body aligners or immobilizers may be used to keep joints straight, but prolonged flexion of joints (eg, elevating knees on pillows) increases the risk of contracture and may hasten decline of joint function. Educational objective: Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disorder, causes inflammation and remodeling of synovial joints, with progressive loss of functional capacity. Clients should be educated to protect the joints with range-of-motion exercises, allow for periods of rest during activities, use moist heat for stiffness and cold packs for pain, and sleep in a flat, neutral position.

The Nurse Is Educating a Client Recently Diagnosed with Rheumatoid