A therapy group of clients with rheumatoid arthritis is meeting weekly. Which technique is most appropriate for education in this group?

• A. Exercises to increase stability of the hands and digits
• B. Medication management to ensure proper use of prescribed medications
• C. Joint protection strategies to help prevent further joint stress or injury
• D. Night splinting in a position of antideformity

Answer: (C)

Joint protection strategies are particularly well suited for a group education setting for people with rheumatoid arthritis because they provide practical, broad guidance that every attendee can apply to daily tasks. RA weakens and inflames many joints, so teaching how to protect them from unnecessary stress—using larger joints for effort, maintaining neutral wrist and hand positions, using assistive devices, organizing tasks to avoid pinching or sustained grips, and pacing activities—helps prevent deformities and preserves function for all participants. This kind of education translates easily to a group format: demonstrations, group practice, and peer tips can be shared and reinforced each week.

Other approaches tend to be more specific or medical in nature. Exercises aimed at increasing stability or strength are often individualized based on each person’s current function and supervision needs. Medication management is primarily a medical domain, focusing on prescriptions and monitoring rather than hands-on, daily-joint-protection education. Night splinting is a targeted intervention that requires assessment and customization, not broad group instruction.