Nursing Interventions: Osteoarthritis

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