A client with rheumatoid arthritis is scheduled to participate in an exercise program that is established at the extended care facility where the client resides.

The nurse evaluates that the client understands the purpose of the program when the client makes which statement?

a) "I know the exercises are important, so I do them whenever I can."

b) "I do my exercises when I go to physical therapy in the morning and afternoon."

c) "Because I'm stiff in the morning, I do most of my exercises then, so I'm done for the day."

d) "After I eat breakfast, I do one set of exercises slowly, and then I space the rest of them throughout the day."

d) "After I eat breakfast, I do one set of exercises slowly, and then I space the rest of them throughout the day."

Explanation:

Spacing activity protects joints from overuse, misuse, and stress, limiting inflammation; it provides a balance between rest and activity. The exercise program should be planned; too much activity can precipitate an exacerbation, and too little may cause contractures. Spaced range-of-motion exercises should be incorporated into daily living activities, not just twice a day. The actions expressed in the response "Because I'm stiff in the morning, I do most of my exercises then, so I'm done for the day" will cause stress at the joints, which may precipitate an exacerbation