Which of the following statements by a client with osteoarthritis indicates a need for further education?

High-impact exercises can exacerbate joint pain and damage in clients with osteoarthritis. Low-impact exercises are recommended to improve joint flexibility and reduce pain. The other options demonstrate appropriate understanding of osteoarthritis self-management.

a. "I will try to avoid activities that put stress on my affected joints." This statement shows appropriate understanding, as avoiding stress on affected joints is beneficial for clients with osteoarthritis.
b. "I should take my prescribed medications even if my symptoms improve." This statement demonstrates adherence to the prescribed treatment plan, which is important for managing osteoarthritis symptoms.
c. "I will use a heating pad to relieve pain and inflammation in my joints." This statement indicates a correct understanding of using heat therapy to alleviate pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis.

Pain that worsens with weight-bearing activities and improves with rest is a classic clinical manifestation of osteoarthritis. Activity-related pain is due to the increased stress on the affected joint during movement, while rest allows for decreased pressure and relief of pain.

a. Nocturnal joint pain is more typical of inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis.
b. Morning joint stiffness lasting for 1 hour is characteristic of inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis.
d. Joint pain that is constant throughout the day may be seen in various joint disorders, but the pattern of pain relief with activity is more indicative of osteoarthritis.