Final answer:
The nurse should educate about the general manifestations of osteoarthritis, which include joint pain with activity, crepitus with joint movement, and the fact that the onset of osteoarthritis is gradual. Fever is not a typical symptom of osteoarthritis, and the onset is rarely abrupt.
Step-by-step explanation:
General Clinical Manifestations of Osteoarthritis
The nurse providing education at a community health fair about osteoarthritis should include several key clinical manifestations associated with the condition:
- Joint pain with activity is a primary symptom of osteoarthritis, typically described as a sharp ache or burning sensation, often worsening with prolonged activity.
- Pain and stiffness at night may not be as significant as stiffness that occurs after awakening, though stiffness can happen any time the joint is not used for a period.
- Crepitus, or a creaking or grating sound with movement of a joint, is a common occurrence in osteoarthritis as the articular cartilage wears down and the joint space narrows.
While the symptom of mild fever is not usually associated with osteoarthritis, such a condition might suggest the presence of another type of joint inflammatory process or infection and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Furthermore, the onset of osteoarthritis is generally gradual, not abrupt, as it is related to the wear and tear of joints over time.
It is important to recognize that osteoarthritis can lead to loss of muscle due to the avoidance of movements that cause pain. Proper management through a combination of exercise, weight loss, and pain relief can help improve the symptoms and enhance the quality of life for individuals with osteoarthritis.