A client with chronic osteoarthritis is troubled by knee pain. Which pathophysiological process is contributing to the pain?
Inflammation results from deposition of crystals in the synovial space of joints producing irritation.
Inflammation is caused by immune complex and autoantibody deposition in connective tissue.
Joint inflammation occurs when chondrocyte injury destroys joint cartilage, producing osteophytes.
Joint destruction happens due to an autoimmune inflammation involving IgG response to an antigen.
The Correct Answer is C
Chronic osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone changes. The pathophysiological process of OA involves various factors contributing to joint pain and inflammation. Here's why option C is the correct choice:
A) Inflammation results from deposition of crystals in the synovial space of joints producing irritation:
This statement is more characteristic of crystal-induced arthritis, such as gout or pseudogout, where crystals (e.g., urate or calcium pyrophosphate crystals) deposit in the joints and cause acute inflammation and irritation. While inflammation may occur in OA, it is primarily a result of mechanical stress and cartilage degradation rather than crystal deposition.
B) Inflammation is caused by immune complex and autoantibody deposition in connective tissue:
This statement is more characteristic of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), where immune complex deposition and autoantibody production lead to chronic inflammation and joint damage. In OA, inflammation is not primarily mediated by immune complex deposition or autoantibodies.
C) Joint inflammation occurs when chondrocyte injury destroys joint cartilage, producing osteophytes:
Correct. In osteoarthritis, joint inflammation occurs as a result of chondrocyte injury and cartilage breakdown. Over time, the degenerative changes in the joint lead to the formation of osteophytes (bone spurs) at the joint margins. These changes can irritate surrounding tissues, including the synovium, ligaments, and tendons, contributing to joint pain and inflammation.
D) Joint destruction happens due to an autoimmune inflammation involving IgG response to an antigen:
This statement is more characteristic of autoimmune arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), where autoantibodies (e.g., rheumatoid factor, anti-citrullinated protein antibodies) target joint tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and joint destruction. In OA, joint destruction primarily results from mechanical stress and wear-and-tear on the joint structures rather than autoimmune mechanisms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Fatigue and weakness:
Correct. The client's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are below the reference ranges, indicating mild anemia. Anemia, characterized by low red blood cell count or hemoglobin levels, can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, as the body's oxygen-carrying capacity is reduced. Fatigue and weakness are common manifestations of anemia and are indicative of tissue hypoxia due to decreased oxygen delivery.
B) Cardiac dysrhythmias:
While severe anemia can lead to cardiac complications, such as dysrhythmias, the client's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are only slightly below the reference ranges, indicating mild anemia. Cardiac dysrhythmias are more commonly associated with severe anemia or acute changes in hemoglobin levels rather than the mild anemia indicated in this scenario.
C) Fever and infection:
Anemia is not typically associated with fever and infection. While anemia may occur secondary to chronic inflammatory conditions or certain infections, the client's symptoms of fatigue and weakness are more directly related to the decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to mild anemia.
D) Decreased clotting time:
Anemia is not directly associated with changes in clotting time. While severe anemia can lead to alterations in platelet function and clotting factors, the client's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are only slightly below the reference ranges, indicating mild anemia. Decreased clotting time is not a typical manifestation of mild anemia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Blockage of retinal capillaries causing ischemic damage of the central macular area:
Correct. Blurry central vision that worsens over time can be indicative of macular ischemia, often caused by blockage of retinal capillaries leading to ischemic damage of the central macular area. This condition can occur in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion.
B) Opaque spoke-like lines developing in the periphery of the lens to the center:
This description is more characteristic of cataracts, which cause visual disturbances such as glare or halos around lights rather than blurry central vision.
C) Tears in the retina that detach from the lining of the posterior eyeball:
Retinal tears and subsequent detachment can cause visual disturbances, but they typically present as sudden onset of floaters, flashes of light, and a curtain-like shadow over the visual field rather than blurry central vision.
D) An increase in intraocular pressure with loss of peripheral vision:
This description is indicative of glaucoma, which can lead to loss of peripheral vision (visual field defects) rather than blurry central vision. Glaucoma-related visual field loss usually begins peripherally and progresses inward, affecting central vision in later stages.
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