A client with osteoarthritis inquires about the pathophysiology of the condition.
Which statement accurately describes the initial process of osteoarthritis development?
"Osteoarthritis starts with inflammation in the joint, leading to pain and stiffness.”
"The primary cause of osteoarthritis is the rubbing of bones against each other.”
"Cartilage breakdown is the initial step in osteoarthritis, causing joint damage.”
"Bone spurs develop first in osteoarthritis, leading to cartilage deterioration.”
The Correct Answer is C
While inflammation is associated with osteoarthritis, it typically occurs later in the disease process.
The initial step in osteoarthritis development is the breakdown of cartilage in the joint due to various factors, including mechanical stress.
Choice B rationale:
The primary cause of osteoarthritis is not bones rubbing against each other.
Instead, it is the degeneration of joint cartilage that leads to joint damage.
The rubbing of bones against each other may occur as a result of cartilage loss in advanced stages of the disease.
Choice C rationale:
Cartilage breakdown is indeed the initial step in osteoarthritis.
Over time, the loss of cartilage can lead to joint damage, pain, and stiffness, which are characteristic of the condition.
Choice D rationale:
Bone spurs can develop in osteoarthritis, but they typically form as a result of the ongoing joint damage caused by cartilage breakdown.
Bone spurs are not the initial event in the development of osteoarthritis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering a muscle relaxant is not the appropriate intervention for a patient with osteoarthritis who experiences joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
Muscle relaxants are typically used for muscle spasms, not for osteoarthritis pain management.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging increased physical activity may worsen the patient's joint pain in osteoarthritis, as it can exacerbate the symptoms.
Osteoarthritis is characterized by joint degeneration, and excessive physical activity can lead to further joint damage and pain.
Choice C rationale:
Providing rest and joint protection strategies is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with osteoarthritis who experiences joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
Rest helps reduce stress on the affected joints, and joint protection strategies, such as using assistive devices or wearing joint-supporting braces, can help alleviate pain and prevent further damage.
Choice D rationale:
Suggesting the use of a heating pad may provide some temporary relief for joint pain, but it does not address the underlying issue of joint protection and rest, which is more important in managing osteoarthritis symptoms.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Evaluation of pain, range of motion, and impact on daily activities." This is the correct choice.
When assessing a patient with osteoarthritis, it is essential to evaluate their pain level, range of motion in affected joints, and the impact of the condition on their daily activities.
These assessments help in developing a comprehensive care plan.
Choice B rationale:
"Assessment of respiratory function and lung sounds." Assessing respiratory function and lung sounds is not directly relevant to the assessment of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis primarily affects the joints and musculoskeletal system, not the respiratory system.
Choice C rationale:
"Measurement of blood pressure and heart rate." Monitoring blood pressure and heart rate is essential in many healthcare settings but is not specific to the assessment of osteoarthritis.
These vital signs are typically checked for overall health assessment and may not provide relevant information about the condition itself.
Choice D rationale:
"Assessment of skin integrity and wound healing." Assessing skin integrity and wound healing is not a standard part of the assessment for osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis primarily involves the joints and surrounding tissues, not the skin or wounds.
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