Nursing Interventions for Osteoarthritis
November 6, 2010 | In: Nursing Interventions
Nursing Interventions: Osteoarthritis
- Administer anti-inflammatory medication and other drugs as ordered.]
- Provide emotional support and reassurance to help the patient cope with limited mobility.
- Encourage the patient to perform as much self-care as his immobility and pain allow.
- To help promote sleep, adjust pain medications to allow for maximum rest.
- Help the patient identify techniques and activities that promote rest and relaxation.
- For joints in hand, provide hot soaks and paraffin dips to relieve pain as ordered.
- Check crutches, cane, braces, or walker for proper fit.
- Assess the patient’s pain patterns.
- Watch for skin irritation caused by prolonged use of assistive devices.
- Instruct the patient to plan for adequate rest during the day.
- Instruct the patient to take medications exactly as prescribed.