Question

A nurse is assessing the musculoskeletal system of a client during an initial visit to the clinic. The assessment reveals insufficient joint lubrication in the knees. The nurse documents this finding as which of the following?

a) Chorea
b) Scoliosis
c) Swelling
d) Crepitus

Answer 1

Crepitus is the correct term for the documentation of insufficient joint lubrication in the knees during a musculoskeletal assessment by a nurse.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing the musculoskeletal system of a client who exhibits insufficient joint lubrication in the knees, a nurse would document this finding as crepitus. Crepitus is a medical term that refers to a crackling or popping sound that can be heard or felt in a joint due to the presence of air in the soft tissues or the roughness of joint surfaces.

In the context of joints, it usually indicates issues with the surfaces of the synovial joint or the synovial fluid that aids in lubrication and smooth movement. Conditions such as arthritis can cause changes in the articular cartilage and synovial fluid, leading to crepitus.