24 Questions
What is the primary purpose of using extended-handle devices in arthritis interventions?
To compensate for loss of proximal ROM and strength
What is an important factor to consider when suggesting assistive devices to clients with arthritis?
The client's Receptiveness to using a device
Why may some clients only need to use assistive devices on certain days?
Because they only experience symptoms on certain days
What is an important aspect of client education in arthritis management?
All of the above
What is the goal of client education in arthritis management?
To empower clients and lead to positive changes in pain reduction, psychological status, disease management, self-efficacy and overall health promotion
What should the therapist consider when suggesting assistive devices to clients with arthritis?
The client's goals and activity demands
What should the therapist consider when evaluating the effectiveness of an assistive device?
All of the above
Why is it important to educate clients about the disease process in arthritis management?
To empower clients and lead to positive changes in pain reduction, psychological status, disease management, self-efficacy and overall health promotion
What is the primary goal of splinting in arthritis?
To maximize function
What is a benefit of community land- and water-based exercise classes for people with arthritis?
Offers social interaction and peer support
What should a therapeutic activity avoid in people with arthritis?
Patterns of deformity
What is an important consideration when deciding on an appropriate splinting plan?
What benefits will a splint provide?
What is a benefit of gradual progression of repetitions or resistance in exercises for people with arthritis?
It helps to reduce pain
What should a therapist consider when prescribing an appropriate splinting plan?
The pathomechanics of the disease process
What is the main purpose of joint protection techniques?
To reduce pain and inflammation in the involved joints
What should clients do when experiencing pain from an acute episode of inflammation?
Rest and avoid activity to prevent further joint damage
What is an indication for splinting in arthritis?
Decreasing pain
What should an activity avoid in people with arthritis?
Overstressing joints
Why is it important for clients to monitor their symptoms?
To identify signs and symptoms of inflammation and take action
What is the goal of fatigue management?
To save and expend energy wisely
Why is it important for clients to understand the disease process of RA?
To understand that prolonged synovitis can lead to irreversible joint damage and disability
What is the importance of respecting pain in joint protection?
It prevents further joint damage by stopping activities before pain occurs
What should clients do when experiencing pain lasting for more than 1 or 2 hours after an activity?
Modify the activity to reduce joint stress
What is the benefit of clients understanding the rationale behind joint protection and fatigue management techniques?
It increases the likelihood of behavior change and improved function
Study Notes
Environmental Modifications
- Assistive devices, alternative methods, and environmental modifications can increase clients' independence, ease, and safety in completing meaningful occupations with less pain and stress on their joints.
Assistive Devices
- Extended-handle devices (e.g., dressing sticks, sock aids, shoe horns, bath sponges, hairbrushes, toilet aids) are used to compensate for loss of proximal ROM and strength.
- Devices with built-up handles (e.g., eating utensils, button aids, writing implements) are used to compensate for limited hand function.
- The therapist should consider the client's goals, factors, activity demands, and contexts when suggesting assistive devices.
- Important factors to consider when selecting an assistive device include:
- Is the client receptive to using the device?
- Will the device reduce pain, joint stress, energy demands, or time expenditure?
- Is the device easy to use?
- Is the device acceptable to the client in terms of appearance, cost, and maintenance needs?
- Is the device likely to cause any negative effects?
Client and Family Education
- Client education is essential for empowering clients and leading to positive changes in pain reduction, psychological status, disease management, self-efficacy, and overall health promotion.
- Important educational aspects include:
- Disease process
- Symptom management
- Joint protection and fatigue management
- Disease process education should cover:
- Type of arthritis
- Basic underlying pathology
- Medications and medication side effects
- Risks of prolonged synovitis in RA (e.g., irreversible joint damage and potential disability)
- Symptom management education should cover:
- Monitoring for signs and symptoms of inflammation
- Recognizing pain as a signal to modify activities
- Integrating rest, exercise, splinting, and PAMs into daily routine
- Family members' understanding of the client's abilities and when to assist
- Joint protection and fatigue management education should cover:
- General principles of joint protection and fatigue management
- Reducing internal and external joint stress, pain, and inflammation
- Preserving joint integrity during ADL performance
- Saving and expending energy wisely
Joint Protection and Fatigue Management
- Respect pain as a signal from the body that something is wrong
- Avoid activities that cause pain and inflammation
- Gradually progress repetitions or resistance
- Engage in community-based exercise classes specifically designed for people with arthritis
- Organize the environment, pace activities, and rest to moderate fatigue
Therapeutic Activity
- Performance of therapeutic activities offers physical and psychological benefits
- Discussing current and past hobbies or completing an interest survey can help determine appropriate activities
- A carefully chosen and graded activity can encourage ROM and strength
- Activities should be nonresistive, avoid patterns of deformity, and not overstress joints
Splinting
- Splinting is an integral component of arthritis treatment
- The goal of splinting is to maximize function
- Important factors to consider when deciding on a splinting plan include:
- Primary goals for splinting
- Benefits of splinting
- Limitations of splinting
- Joints involved in the splint design
- Effect of splinting on unsplinted joints
- Previous splints tried or worn
- When to wear the splint
This quiz covers the use of assistive devices to increase independence and ease for individuals with arthritis, focusing on devices that compensate for loss of proximal ROM and strength.
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