The visiting nurse is seeing a client with bilateral hand pain, boutonniere and swan-neck deformities of bilateral hands. The patient complains about occupational therapy tell her to exercise her hands daily. The LPN should say which of the following to encourage the client to exercise?

A. "Exercise should be vigorous for joint stimulation": Vigorous exercise can worsen joint inflammation and pain, especially in clients with rheumatoid arthritis presenting with deformities like boutonniere and swan-neck. Gentle, controlled range-of-motion exercises are preferred to prevent further joint damage and reduce discomfort. B. "Exercise will allow you to sleep better": While regular physical activity may improve sleep quality, this statement does not directly address the client’s concern about hand function or the purpose of occupational therapy exercises. It is less effective in motivating adherence to the prescribed hand exercises. C. "Exercise is unnecessary": This contradicts the therapeutic plan and can lead to worsening joint stiffness and decreased function. Lack of movement in inflammatory joint conditions contributes to contractures and further deformity progression. D. "Exercise will keep the joints from 'freezing'": Regular, gentle exercise helps maintain joint mobility, prevents stiffness, and slows progression of deformities in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. This explanation is directly relevant to the client’s condition and reinforces the importance of adherence to therapy.