A client presents with joint pain and stiffness. The healthcare provider performs a physical examination and finds tenderness over the affected joint, as well as crepitus during joint movement. Which of the following diagnostic tests is most appropriate to evaluate the joint for osteoarthritis?
Complete blood count (CBC)
Rheumatoid factor (RF) blood test
X-ray of the joint
Synovial fluid analysis
The Correct Answer is C
X-ray of the joint is the most appropriate diagnostic test to evaluate for osteoarthritis. X-ray can show joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, and changes in bone density, which are typical findings in osteoarthritis. A complete blood count (CBC) and rheumatoid factor (RF) blood test are used to assess for inflammation and autoimmune markers, respectively, which are more indicative of inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis. Synovial fluid analysis is usually performed to assess for infection or inflammation in the joint and may not be as helpful in diagnosing osteoarthritis.
a. A complete blood count (CBC) is used to assess for general health and detect various conditions, but it is not specific to osteoarthritis.
b. A rheumatoid factor (RF) blood test is used to diagnose inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis.
d. Synovial fluid analysis is usually performed to assess for infection or inflammation in the joint, but it may not provide definitive evidence of osteoarthritis.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Pain that worsens with weight-bearing activities and improves with rest is a classic clinical manifestation of osteoarthritis. Activity-related pain is due to the increased stress on the affected joint during movement, while rest allows for decreased pressure and relief of pain.
a. Nocturnal joint pain is more typical of inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis.
b. Morning joint stiffness lasting for 1 hour is characteristic of inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis.
d. Joint pain that is constant throughout the day may be seen in various joint disorders, but the pattern of pain relief with activity is more indicative of osteoarthritis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The main characteristic of osteoarthritis is the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage, which leads to joint pain, stiffness, and loss of function. This breakdown occurs over time due to various factors such as aging, joint overuse, and mechanical stress.
a. Osteoarthritis is primarily a non-inflammatory condition. While some inflammation may occur in later stages, it is not the main characteristic of the disease. Inflammation of the synovial membrane is more characteristic of other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
b. Formation of bony nodules in the joints is not a primary characteristic of osteoarthritis. It is more commonly seen in conditions like osteophytes, which are small, bony outgrowths that can develop around the joints in response to cartilage degeneration.
d. Overproduction of synovial fluid is not a characteristic of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is not primarily a disease of the synovial membrane, and excessive synovial fluid production is more characteristic of inflammatory joint conditions.
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