A nurse is teaching a client about risk factors for osteoarthritis. Which of the following factors should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale Aging is a primary non-modifiable risk factor for osteoarthritis because the cartilage that cushions the joints naturally wears down over time. As individuals age, the chondrocytes may lose their ability to repair the extracellular matrix, leading to the thinning of the articular cartilage. This mechanical wear and tear over decades results in the bone-on-bone contact and inflammation characteristic of this degenerative joint disease, affecting a large percentage of the elderly population. Choice B rationale Bacteria are not considered a risk factor for osteoarthritis. While bacterial infections can cause septic arthritis, which is an acute inflammatory condition within a joint, osteoarthritis is specifically a non-inflammatory, degenerative process related to mechanical stress and structural failure. Distinguishing between infectious and degenerative joint diseases is crucial for proper treatment, as osteoarthritis does not require antibiotic therapy but rather focuses on weight management, physical therapy, and pain relief for long-term joint health. Choice C rationale Diuretics are not recognized as a risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis. While certain medications can affect bone density or metabolic processes, diuretics are primarily used to manage fluid volume and blood pressure. They are more closely associated with gout because they can increase serum uric acid levels by decreasing renal excretion. Osteoarthritis is driven by mechanical, genetic, and metabolic factors rather than the pharmacological effects of common diuretic medications used for hypertension. Choice D rationale Obesity is a major modifiable risk factor for osteoarthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. The excess body mass increases the mechanical load and stress on the articular cartilage, accelerating its breakdown. Additionally, adipose tissue produces pro-inflammatory cytokines called adipokines, which can contribute to the systemic degradation of joint tissues. Weight loss is often the first line of intervention to reduce pain and slow the progression of the disease in these clients. Choice E rationale Genetics play a significant role in the predisposition to osteoarthritis. Certain inherited traits can affect the shape of the joints or the composition of the collagen within the cartilage, making it more susceptible to damage and wear. If a client has a strong family history of early-onset osteoarthritis, they may be at a higher risk regardless of their activity level or weight. Understanding the genetic component helps in identifying individuals who may need early preventative strategies. Choice F rationale Participation in certain sports, especially those involving repetitive high-impact movements or those that lead to joint injuries, is a known risk factor for osteoarthritis. Frequent stress on specific joints or a history of ligament tears and fractures can lead to post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Athletes who subject their joints to extreme loads or chronic micro-trauma often experience accelerated cartilage thinning, leading to the development of symptoms earlier in life compared to the general sedentary population.