As a nurse, you understand that when patients have latent TB:

A. Osteoarthritis (OA) typically presents with joint pain and stiffness, but it is usually unilateral and does not cause the same types of deformities seen in RA. OA also tends to develop over time without the systemic symptoms associated with RA.
B. The combination of bilateral pain and morning stiffness in the hands, along with the presence of large nodules (likely rheumatoid nodules), swan-neck deformities, and ulnar deviation, is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune disorder that affects joints symmetrically and commonly leads to these specific deformities.
C. Lupus arthritis can cause joint pain and swelling, but it is often accompanied by other systemic symptoms like skin rashes (butterfly rash), fatigue, and organ involvement. The specific deformities noted (swan-neck and ulnar deviation) are more closely aligned with RA than lupus.
D. Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, often in the big toe or foot, and is caused by the deposition of urate crystals in the joints. It does not typically present with the deformities or patterns seen in the described patient.

A. Chronic blood loss is one of the most common causes of iron deficiency anemia. Conditions such as gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., from ulcers, polyps, or cancer), heavy menstrual periods, or chronic blood donation can lead to a gradual loss of iron, resulting in anemia.
B. While liver problems can lead to various blood disorders, they are not a direct cause of iron deficiency anemia. Liver disease can affect iron metabolism and storage but does not typically cause iron deficiency unless accompanied by chronic blood loss or malnutrition.
C. Decreased folic acid absorption leads to folate deficiency anemia, not iron deficiency anemia. While folate is important for red blood cell production, it does not directly influence iron levels. This option is not a common cause of iron deficiency anemia.
D. Low dietary intake of iron is a well-known cause of iron deficiency anemia. Diets lacking in iron-rich foods (such as red meat, beans, and fortified cereals) can lead to insufficient iron stores and subsequent anemia.