During a health assessment, the client reports being treated for osteoarthritis. The nurse examines the client's hands and finds Heberden's nodes. Which finding should the nurse document in the client's medical record?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Distal interphalangeal joint nodules that deviate: While Heberden's nodes can cause some stiffness or limited movement, "deviate" implies a significant bend or dislocation, which is not a typical characteristic of Heberden's nodes.B. Proximal intertarsal joint swelling of big toe: This describes a swollen joint at the base of the big toe (likely gout) and is not related to Heberden's nodes, which affect the fingers.C. Frozen, non-movable phalangeal joints: Heberden's nodes do not cause joints to become frozen or immobile. This description more accurately fits conditions like severe arthritis or advanced stages of rheumatoid arthritis where joint mobility can be significantly impairedD. Non-painful enlarged distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints: This accurately describes Heberden's nodes, which are bony growths that typically occur on the DIP joints (closest to the fingertip) and are often painless in the early stages