What nursing intervention is most effective for relieving joint stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis?

What nursing intervention is most effective for relieving joint stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis?

• A. Take a warm shower prior to activities
• B. Take an aspirin after activity to help decrease inflammation
• C. Lose 10 pounds of weight
• D. Apply cold compresses to joints for 30-45 minutes

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that heat therapy helps relieve joint stiffness by increasing blood flow, loosening connective tissue, and relaxing surrounding muscles, which makes joints move more freely. A warm shower before activity warms the joint tissues, softens tendons and ligaments, and reduces the viscosity of synovial fluid, so movements feel smoother and less painful. This effect is particularly helpful for rheumatoid arthritis, where stiffness is common after periods of rest or inactivity.

Aspirin after activity targets inflammation, but taking it post-activity isn’t the most effective way to address stiffness specifically. Weight loss can ease overall joint load over time, but it doesn’t directly reduce the immediate mechanical stiffness of the joints. Cold compresses tend to numb pain and reduce swelling, which is helpful for acute inflammation, but they can make stiffness worse if used when joints are just stiff rather than inflamed.