A nurse is completing a physical assessment of a client who has early osteoarthritis. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Low-Grade Fever

Low-grade fever is a common early symptom of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is often associated with the body’s inflammatory response to the autoimmune activity occurring in the joints. While it can persist throughout the disease, it is not considered a late manifestation.

Choice B reason: Weight Loss

Weight loss can occur in RA due to chronic inflammation and its effects on metabolism and appetite. However, it is more commonly seen in the early to middle stages of the disease rather than as a late manifestation. Persistent inflammation can lead to muscle wasting and weight loss, but these are not specific to the advanced stages of RA.

Choice C reason: Anorexia

Anorexia, or loss of appetite, is another symptom that can be present in RA. It is often related to the chronic inflammation and pain associated with the disease, which can reduce a person’s desire to eat. Like weight loss, anorexia can occur at various stages of RA and is not specifically a late manifestation.

Choice D reason: Knuckle Deformity

Knuckle deformity is a late manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. As RA progresses, the chronic inflammation can lead to joint damage and deformities, particularly in the hands and fingers. This includes changes such as ulnar deviation, swan neck deformities, and boutonnière deformities. These deformities result from the destruction of joint tissues and the formation of scar tissue, which can significantly impair hand function.

Choice A reason: Unlike Chickenpox, the Vesicles of Smallpox Are More Abundant on the Face

This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching. Smallpox lesions are indeed more abundant on the face and extremities compared to chickenpox, which tends to have a more central distribution on the trunk. Smallpox lesions are also typically more uniform in their stage of development, whereas chickenpox lesions can appear in various stages of healing simultaneously.

Choice B reason: Smallpox Lesions Appear in Various Stages of Healing

This statement is incorrect. Unlike chickenpox, where lesions can be in different stages of healing at the same time, smallpox lesions generally progress through the same stages simultaneously. This uniformity in lesion development is a distinguishing feature of smallpox.

Choice C reason: Vaccination Against Smallpox Provides Lifelong Immunity

This statement is partially correct but needs clarification. The smallpox vaccine provides long-lasting immunity, but it may not be lifelong. Immunity can wane over time, and booster vaccinations may be necessary for continued protection.

Choice D reason: There Are Rare, Occasional Occurrences of Smallpox

This statement is incorrect. Smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980 by the World Health Organization (WHO). There have been no naturally occurring cases of smallpox since then. The only known stocks of the virus are kept in secure laboratories for research purposes.