A 68-year-old male patient, who had bilateral total hip arthroplasty two years ago, arrived at the emergency department by ambulance.
He reports that he slipped while putting away groceries at home.
He did not feel dizzy or lightheaded before the fall.
He fell face-forward, hitting his head on the wall and his left shoulder on the floor.
He reports pain mainly in his left shoulder.
As a nurse, what interventions should you plan to reduce further complications?

Choice A rationale

Osteoarthritis is a joint disease in which the tissues in the joint, including the cartilage, break down over time. The degradation of joint cartilage is the primary pathological condition that leads to the symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as increased pain and stiffness.

Choice B rationale

A systemic inflammatory response is not the primary cause of osteoarthritis. While inflammation can occur in the affected joint, osteoarthritis is not a systemic inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis.

Choice C rationale

An infectious process in the synovial fluid is not typically associated with osteoarthritis. Infections can lead to a different type of arthritis known as septic arthritis.

Choice D rationale

A decrease in bone mineral density is associated with osteoporosis, not osteoarthritis. In osteoarthritis, the issue is primarily with the degradation of cartilage, not a loss of bone density.

The correct answer is D. The practical nurse (PN) who is assisting the registered nurse (RN) with the care of a group of clients is best assigned to an adult who is one day postoperative for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This client’s care involves routine postoperative care and monitoring, which is within the PN’s scope of practice. The other clients have more complex needs that require the higher level of education and skills of an RN.