A nurse is preparing a presentation at a community center about osteoarthritis. The nurse should plan to include which of the following information? Select All that Apply.

Choice A rationale Osteoarthritis is primarily a non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease that is often asymmetrical because it results from mechanical wear and tear on specific joints rather than a systemic autoimmune process. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis typically presents with bilateral and symmetrical joint involvement due to its systemic nature. Because osteoarthritis is localized to overworked or injured joints, it does not usually affect the same joints on both sides of the body simultaneously. Choice B rationale Joint pain in osteoarthritis occurs because the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time, leading to bone-on-bone friction. This mechanical stress triggers nociceptors in the synovium and subchondral bone, resulting in discomfort that typically worsens with activity and improves with rest. As the disease progresses, the pain can become more persistent due to secondary inflammation or the formation of osteophytes which irritate the surrounding soft tissues and nerves. Choice C rationale Crepitus is a clinical sign characterized by a grating, popping, or crackling sound or sensation produced by friction between bone and cartilage or fractured bone bits. In osteoarthritis, the loss of smooth articular cartilage creates irregular surfaces within the joint capsule. When the joint moves, these rough surfaces rub against one another, producing the audible or palpable vibrations known as crepitus. This finding is a hallmark of advanced joint degeneration and structural integrity loss. Choice D rationale Osteoarthritis frequently targets weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees, and lumbar spine because these areas endure the highest amount of mechanical load and repetitive stress throughout a person's life. The constant pressure accelerates the degradation of the articular cartilage and the underlying bone structure. Chronic loading leads to micro-trauma, which the body attempts to repair by forming bone spurs, ultimately resulting in the pain and functional limitations typical of weight-bearing joint involvement. Choice E rationale Joint stiffness in osteoarthritis is commonly reported after periods of inactivity, such as waking up in the morning or sitting for a long duration, often referred to as gel phenomenon. This stiffness usually lasts less than thirty minutes and improves with gentle movement as the synovial fluid begins to lubricate the joint surfaces again. The stiffness results from the accumulation of fluid and metabolic waste products within the joint space during rest, combined with the thickened joint capsule.