Question

An elderly female client with osteoarthritis reports increasing pain and stiffness in her right knee and asks how to reduce these symptoms. In responding to the client, the nurse recognizes what pathology as the cause of her symptoms?

Answer 1

Osteoarthritis is the cause of the elderly female client's symptoms of increasing pain and stiffness in her right knee. This joint disease occurs due to the breakdown of joint cartilage and bone, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the affected joint.

Step-by-step explanation:

The elderly female client's symptoms of increasing pain and stiffness in her right knee are indicative of osteoarthritis (OA). OA is a joint disease that occurs as a result of the breakdown of joint cartilage and bone, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the affected joint.

The client's symptoms align with the characteristic symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as joint swelling and decreased range of motion.

As the client experiences more stress on the articular cartilage that covers the surfaces of the bones at the synovial joints, the cartilage gradually becomes thinner.

This results in increased pressure on the bones, stimulating the production of synovial fluid to lubricate the joint, leading to joint cavity swelling and pain.

The damaged articular cartilage and thickened bone tissue underlying it also contribute to joint pain and inflammation.

While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are various treatment options available to alleviate the pain and manage the symptoms.

These include lifestyle changes such as weight loss and low-impact exercise, as well as over-the-counter or prescription medications. In severe cases, joint replacement surgery (arthroplasty) may be necessary.