Question

A client with an acute exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis is in severe pain and tells the nurse, "the only time i am pain free is when i lie perfectly still." what complication should the nurse explain can be prevented by exercising every day?

Answer 1

The correct answer is shortening of the muscles. If a person doesn't move and just keeps lying down, then muscles can lose mass and eventually function. People need to be moving all the time to prevent muscle loss and shortening of muscles because things like muscle atrophy can develop and you can lose control of muscles completely.