1. The client/caregiver can define osteoarthritis.
   1. It is a degenerative, noninflammatory joint disease.
   2. The cartilage that protects the ends of bones is worn away.
   3. It can affect all mobile joints, especially weight-bearing joints: hip, knee, and spinal column.
2. The client/caregiver can list factors that may increase risk of osteoarthritis.
   1. Advanced age
   2. Trauma
   3. Overuse of joints
   4. Genetic tendency
   5. Obesity
   6. Metabolic or endocrine abnormalities
3. The client/caregiver can recognize signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis.
   1. Aching pain that increases with activity and is usually relieved with rest
   2. Stiffness on rising
   3. Heberden’s nodes (nodular bony enlargements within the joint)
   4. Fatigue
   5. Decreased exercise tolerance
   6. Crepitus (creaking or grating upon joint movement)
   7. Restriction of joint movement
4. The client/caregiver can list measures to prevent or manage osteoarthritis.
   1. Exercise regularly.
      1. Always get physician’s permission.
      2. Exercise daily at a slow steady pace using range of motion.
      3. Never exercise a hot, inflamed joint.
      4. Set realistic goals.
      5. Balance work with rest.
      6. Stop exercise if pain occurs.
      7. Avoid prolonged walking, sitting, or standing.
   2. Obtain adequate nutrition.
      1. Control weight to prevent increased pressure on the joints.
      2. Eat well-balanced meals.
      3. Avoid quackery diets.
      4. Avoid excess sugar and salt.
   3. Use stress-management techniques.
   4. Apply heat or cold as ordered by physician.
   5. Follow safety measures to prevent falls and injury.
   6. Take medications as ordered by physician.
      1. Discuss pain control issues with physician.
   7. Use joint protection principals.
   8. Use assistive and supportive devices as ordered (i.e., splints, braces, walker, and cane).
   9. Use self-help hints and devices.
   10. Follow good body mechanics and proper posture.
   11. Obtain adequate rest.
   12. Dress warmly and wear gloves in cold weather.
   13. Report to physician increased pain, edema, or fatigue.
   14. Keep follow-up appointments with physician.
5. The client/caregiver is aware of possible complications.
   1. Loss of range of motion
   2. Muscle wasting
   3. Decreases mobility
   4. Contractures

Resources

American Chronic Pain Association
www.theacpa.org

Arthritis Foundation
www.arthritis.org

Healthy People 2010
www.health.gov/healthypeople

National Institute on Aging
www.nia.nih.gov

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
www.niams.nih.gov

References

Ackley, B. J., & Ladwig, G. B. (2006). Nursing diagnosis handbook: A guide to planning care. Philadelphia: Mosby Inc.
Cohen, B. J., & Wood, D. L. (2000). Memmler’s the Human Body in Health and Disease (9th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Nutrition made incredibly easy. (2003). Springhouse: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Portable RN: The all-in-one nursing reference. (2002). Springhouse: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Taylor, C., Lillis, D., & LeMone, P. (2005). Fundamentals of nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Timby, B. K., & Smith, N. C. (2003). Introductory medical-surgical nursing (8th ed.). Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott
Williams & Wilkins.

Credits

Client Teaching Guides for Home Health Care, 2nd ed.
© 2008 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc.
www.jbpub.com