A nurse is educating a group of elderly patients about osteoarthritis.
Which statement by the nurse accurately explains a risk factor associated with osteoarthritis?
"Osteoarthritis is more common in older individuals due to genetic factors.”
"Excessive weight puts additional stress on the joints, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.”
"Osteoarthritis is primarily caused by trauma to the joints, such as fractures.”
"The exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, making it difficult to prevent.”
The Correct Answer is B
Osteoarthritis is indeed more common in older individuals, but it is not primarily due to genetic factors.
While genetics can play a role, the primary risk factor for osteoarthritis in older adults is wear and tear on the joints over time.
Choice B rationale:
Excessive weight is a well-established risk factor for osteoarthritis.
The rationale behind this is that carrying excess body weight puts additional stress on the joints, particularly the weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.
This increased mechanical stress can lead to the degeneration of joint cartilage and the development of osteoarthritis.
Choice C rationale:
Osteoarthritis can be exacerbated by joint trauma, such as fractures, but it is not primarily caused by trauma.
The degeneration of joint cartilage and the development of osteoarthritis typically occur over time due to various factors, including mechanical stress and inflammation.
Choice D rationale:
While the exact cause of osteoarthritis is not fully understood, it is not accurate to say that it is entirely unknown.
Osteoarthritis is believed to result from a combination of factors, including genetics, aging, joint injury, and mechanical stress.
Understanding these risk factors can help in its prevention and management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Treatment primarily involves surgery." This statement is incorrect.
Surgery is not the primary treatment for osteoarthritis.
Surgery may be considered in severe cases when conservative treatments are ineffective, but it is not the primary approach.
Choice B rationale:
"There are no effective treatments for osteoarthritis." This statement is entirely inaccurate.
There are various effective treatments available for osteoarthritis, including medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
This choice is misleading and provides incorrect information.
Choice C rationale:
"Medications, physical therapy, and weight management are part of the treatment plan." This is the correct choice.
It accurately describes the primary components of osteoarthritis treatment, which often include medications for pain and inflammation, physical therapy to improve joint function, and weight management to reduce excess stress on joints.
Choice D rationale:
"Treatment mainly focuses on avoiding any physical activity to rest the joints." This statement is incorrect and not a recommended approach.
While rest and joint protection are important, completely avoiding physical activity is not the standard treatment for osteoarthritis.
Controlled and appropriate physical activity is encouraged.
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.
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