A nurse is discussing physical activity with a client who has osteoarthritis. Which of the following activities is appropriate for this client?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Swimming is a low-impact, aerobic exercise that reduces stress on weight-bearing joints while promoting cardiovascular fitness, muscle strengthening, and joint mobility. Water buoyancy supports the body, making it ideal for clients with osteoarthritis who need to avoid high-impact activities that can exacerbate joint pain. B. Jogging is a high-impact activity that places repetitive stress on the knees, hips, and ankles. For clients with osteoarthritis, especially in weight-bearing joints, jogging can increase joint pain and accelerate cartilage degeneration, making it inappropriate as a recommended exercise. C. Tennis involves sudden starts, stops, and lateral movements, which are high-impact and can place uneven stress on joints. These movements can exacerbate joint pain and stiffness in clients with osteoarthritis, so it is not recommended as a safe exercise option.