A client presents with joint pain and stiffness. The healthcare provider performs a physical examination and finds tenderness over the affected joint, as well as crepitus during joint movement. Which of the following diagnostic tests is most appropriate to evaluate the joint for osteoarthritis?

Complete blood count (CBC)

Rheumatoid factor (RF) blood test

X-ray of the joint

Synovial fluid analysis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

X-ray of the joint is the most appropriate diagnostic test to evaluate for osteoarthritis. X-ray can show joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, and changes in bone density, which are typical findings in osteoarthritis. A complete blood count (CBC) and rheumatoid factor (RF) blood test are used to assess for inflammation and autoimmune markers, respectively, which are more indicative of inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis. Synovial fluid analysis is usually performed to assess for infection or inflammation in the joint and may not be as helpful in diagnosing osteoarthritis.

a. A complete blood count (CBC) is used to assess for general health and detect various conditions, but it is not specific to osteoarthritis.
b. A rheumatoid factor (RF) blood test is used to diagnose inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis.
d. Synovial fluid analysis is usually performed to assess for infection or inflammation in the joint, but it may not provide definitive evidence of osteoarthritis.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage, leading to joint pain and stiffness. As the cartilage wears away, the bones may develop small, bony outgrowths called osteophytes.

a. Osteoarthritis is not an autoimmune disease. It is primarily a non-inflammatory condition, and the immune system is not involved in its pathogenesis.
b. Osteoarthritis is not primarily a disease of the synovial membrane. While changes in the synovium can occur in osteoarthritis, the primary pathology is in the articular cartilage.
d. Osteoarthritis is not caused by the deposition of urate crystals. Urate crystal deposition is associated with gout, a different form of arthritis.

A. Warm, swollen, and tender joints B. Symmetrical joint involvement C. Heberden's nodes in the fingers D. Positive Babinski reflex

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Heberden's nodes are bony enlargements that occur at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints of the fingers and are a characteristic finding in osteoarthritis. Warm, swollen, and tender joints are typical of inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis. Symmetrical joint involvement is more common in systemic autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis. A positive Babinski reflex is a neurological finding and is not related to the diagnosis of osteoarthritis.

a. Warm, swollen, and tender joints are typical of inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis.
b. Symmetrical joint involvement is more common in systemic autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis.
d. A positive Babinski reflex is a neurological finding and is not related to the diagnosis of osteoarthritis.

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A client presents with joint pain and stiffness. The healthcare provider performs a physical examination and finds tenderness over the affected joint, as well as crepitus during joint movement. Which of the following diagnostic tests is most appropriate to evaluate the joint for osteoarthritis?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following statements accurately describes the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The healthcare provider is evaluating a client with joint pain and stiffness for possible osteoarthritis. Which of the following physical examination findings is most consistent with osteoarthritis?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

When caring for a client with osteoarthritis, which nursing intervention is essential to promote joint mobility and reduce stiffness?

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A client presents with joint pain and stiffness. The healthcare provider performs a physical examination and finds tenderness over the affected joint, as well as crepitus during joint movement. Which of the following diagnostic tests is most appropriate to evaluate the joint for osteoarthritis?

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