Pain (acute / chronic) related to Osteoarthritis

Nursing Care Plan for Osteoarthritis

Pain (acute / chronic) related to tissue distension by accumulation of fluid / inflammation, joint destruction.

Outocomes :

• Showed pain control.
• The client looks relaxed, can sleep / rest and participate in activities.
• Following therapy program.
• Combining the skills of relaxation and entertainment activities into the program of pain control.

Interventions :

1. Assess complaints of pain, note the location and intensity of pain (scale 0-10), note the factors that accelerate and signs of pain.
2. Give a hard mattress, small pillows. Elevate the bed linens as needed.
3. Let the patient take a comfortable position when sleeping or sitting in a chair. Increase bed rest as indicated.
4. Encourage patients to frequently change positions. Help the patient to move in bed, prop sore joints above and below, avoid jerky movements.
5. Encourage patients to a warm bath or shower to wake-up time. Provide a warm washcloth to compress the affected joints several times a day. Monitor the temperature of the water compresses , water bath.
6. Give a gentle massage.
7. Collaboration : Give medication before activity or exercise that is planned according to the instructions as acetyl salicylate.

Rationale :

1. Assist in determining the need for and effectiveness of pain management programs.
2. Soft mattress, great pillows will prevent the maintenance of proper body alignment, placing setres the diseased joints. Elevation of the bed linens pressure on inflamed joints / pain.
3. In severe disease, bed rest may be necessary to limit joint pain or injury.
4. Preventing the occurrence of general fatigue and joint stiffness. Stabilize the joint, reduce movement / pain in the joints.
5. Heat increases muscle relaxation and mobility, decrease pain and stiffness in the morning release. The sensitivity of the heat can be removed and dermal wounds can be healed.
6. Increasing relaxation / reduce muscle tension.
7. Increase relaxation, reduce muscle tension, ease to participate in therapy.