A nurse is providing teaching about nonpharmacological pain management to a client who has osteoarthritis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Take a hot shower every day: This is a beneficial nonpharmacological pain management technique for clients with osteoarthritis. Warm water can help relax muscles and soothe joint stiffness, providing relief from pain. B. Limit dietary intake of phosphorus: This is not directly related to pain management in osteoarthritis. While managing overall nutrition is important, phosphorus specifically does not need to be limited unless there are other underlying health conditions. C. Place a large pillow under the knees when sleeping: This instruction may not be optimal. While some support can be helpful, using a pillow under the knees can cause misalignment of the spine. A more neutral sleeping position is generally recommended. D. Place an ice pack directly on the skin of the affected joints: Applying ice directly to the skin can cause frostbite or skin damage. It's better to use a cloth or towel as a barrier when applying an ice pack to avoid direct contact and protect the skin.