An older client with osteoarthritis reports increasing pain and stiffness in the right knee and asks how to reduce these symptoms. In responding to the client, the nurse recognizes what pathology as the cause of the symptoms?

A. An infectious process in the synovial fluid typically leads to a condition known as septic arthritis, which is not characteristic of osteoarthritis. B. Osteoarthritis is primarily characterized by the degeneration and destruction of joint cartilage, which leads to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. C. While loss of bone mineral density can contribute to joint pain, it is not the primary pathology associated with osteoarthritis symptoms. D. A systemic inflammatory response is more characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis rather than osteoarthritis, which is primarily a degenerative joint disease.