During a nursing assessment of a client with Ankylosing Spondylitis, the nurse observes that the client is experiencing buttock pain and stiffness that may radiate to the hips and thighs.
Which statement made by the client aligns with the symptom of sacroiliitis associated with this condition?

Choice A rationale:

"Administering opioid pain medications as needed." Administering opioid pain medications as needed is not typically a first-line treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).

Opioids may be reserved for severe cases or when other pain management strategies have failed.

It is not a primary nursing intervention and can have side effects and risks associated with its use.

Choice B rationale:

"Encouraging regular exercise and physical therapy." Encouraging regular exercise and physical therapy is a crucial nursing intervention for patients with AS.

Exercise and physical therapy help improve mobility, maintain joint function, and reduce pain.

Therefore, this intervention is appropriate and should be included in the care plan.

Choice C rationale:

"Providing emotional support and counseling for anxiety." Emotional support and counseling for anxiety are essential for patients with AS.

Chronic conditions like AS can have a significant emotional impact, and addressing the patient's mental health is an important nursing intervention.

Choice D rationale:

"Recommending smoking cessation as a preventive measure." Smoking cessation is a relevant nursing intervention for AS patients.

Smoking has been associated with worse outcomes in AS, and quitting smoking can be beneficial for overall health and symptom management.

Choice E rationale:

"Monitoring the patient's lung capacity and spinal curvature." Monitoring lung capacity and spinal curvature is important in the assessment and management of AS.

AS can affect the spine and lungs, and regular monitoring helps identify any complications or disease progression.

This nursing intervention is appropriate and necessary.

Choice A rationale:

"Treatment typically involves surgical joint replacement." Rationale: This statement is not accurate.

While joint replacement surgery may be considered in severe cases of Ankylosing Spondylitis when joint damage is extensive, it is not a typical or first-line treatment option.

Other conservative treatments are usually attempted before considering surgery.

Choice B rationale:

"Physical therapy and exercise are crucial components of managing Ankylosing Spondylitis." Rationale: This statement is correct.

Physical therapy and exercise play a crucial role in managing Ankylosing Spondylitis.

They help improve flexibility, maintain range of motion, and strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, which can reduce pain and disability.

Choice C rationale:

"There are no effective treatments available for Ankylosing Spondylitis." Rationale: This statement is not accurate.

There are several effective treatments available for Ankylosing Spondylitis, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic medications, and physical therapy.

Choice D rationale:

"Ankylosing Spondylitis is primarily managed with antibiotics." Rationale: This statement is not accurate.

Ankylosing Spondylitis is not primarily managed with antibiotics.

While bacterial infections may be associated with AS in some cases, the mainstay of treatment is focused on controlling inflammation and managing symptoms with medications and lifestyle interventions.