Question

a nurse is discussing the difference between rheumatoid arthritis (ra) and osteoarthritis with a newly hired nurse. which of the following information should the nurse include about osteoarthritis?
\osteoarthritis is caused by autoimmune processes.\
\osteoarthritis causes joints to become red and hot.\
\osteoarthritis affects other organ systems.\
\osteoarthritis can impair a joint on a single side of the body.\

Explanation:

To determine the correct statement about osteoarthritis (OA):

• Autoimmune processes cause rheumatoid arthritis (RA), not OA. So the first option is incorrect.
• Inflammatory arthritis (like RA) causes red, hot joints; OA is non - inflammatory, so the second option is wrong.
• RA (systemic) affects other organs, while OA is joint - specific. So the third option is incorrect.
• OA often affects joints unilaterally (e.g., one knee or one hip), while RA is bilateral. Thus, the statement “Osteoarthritis can impair a joint on a single side of the body” is correct.

Answer:

"Osteoarthritis can impair a joint on a single side of the body."