What should a nurse teach a client with severe chronic rheumatoid arthritis regarding exercise?

Teaching a client with severe chronic rheumatoid arthritis about exercise is essential for managing their condition while minimizing discomfort and exacerbation of symptoms. The correct answer emphasizes the importance of decreasing the time and number of exercise repetitions.

For individuals with severe rheumatoid arthritis, joints can be significantly inflamed and painful. Engaging in high-intensity or prolonged exercise can lead to increased pain, fatigue, and potential joint damage. Therefore, advising the client to decrease both the duration and the frequency of exercise helps ensure that they can participate in physical activity without overexerting themselves.

This approach not only allows for gentle movement, which is necessary to maintain joint mobility and muscle strength, but it also aligns with the principles of pacing and listening to one's body when it comes to activity levels. Gentle exercises like range-of-motion activities, stretching, and low-impact exercises can be beneficial when tailored to the individual’s capabilities.

Promoting a sensible approach to exercise can lead to improved physical function and a better quality of life for clients with rheumatoid arthritis, as long as they tailor their activity to their current health status.