After teaching a patient with RA to use heat and cold therapy to relieve symptoms, the nurse determines that teaching has been effective when what is said by the patient?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: "When my joints are painful, I can use a bag of frozen corn for 10 to 15 minutes to relieve the pain." This answer is correct because using a bag of frozen corn for a short duration can help reduce inflammation and pain in the joints, which is beneficial for someone with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Cold therapy helps to numb the area, reduce blood flow, and decrease inflammation, providing relief for painful joints. Option A is incorrect because heat treatments can actually help relax muscles and reduce spasms, so they can be used even when muscle spasms are present. Option B is incorrect because cold applications should not be left on for more than 15 minutes at a time, as prolonged exposure to cold can cause tissue damage. Option C is incorrect because heat should not be used during an acute flare of RA as it can potentially exacerbate inflammation and pain. Educationally, it is essential for patients with RA to understand the proper use of heat and cold therapy to manage their symptoms effectively. Teaching patients the correct techniques and durations for these therapies can help them alleviate pain and inflammation associated with their condition. It is important for nurses to provide accurate and clear instructions to patients to ensure they can independently manage their symptoms at home.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.