Your patient has a 5-year history of RA.There are no obvious deformities, but during this current exacerbation of the disease, the wrist and MP joints are swollen, red, tender, and warm.There is generally decreased range of motion (ROM), pain during joint motion, and increased pain at the end of the available range of each joint.An appropriate short-term goal and intervention is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The appropriate short-term goal and intervention for a patient with RA during exacerbation is to maintain joint mobility and decrease pain using grade I or II joint-oscillation techniques. This helps to reduce inflammation, maintain flexibility, and relieve pain while avoiding exacerbation of the disease. Passive stretching may be too aggressive and cause further joint inflammation, while contract-relax techniques may be ineffective in managing pain during an exacerbation. Continuous rest and orthoses only provide short-term relief and may lead to further joint stiffness and weakness.

Your Patient Has a 5-Year History of RA