The advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) knows which of the following systemic symptoms are usually associated with osteoarthritis (OA)?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disorder characterized by the progressive breakdown of articular cartilage and changes in the underlying bone. It commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, spine, and hands, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Unlike inflammatory arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, OA is primarily a localized joint disease rather than a systemic illness. Therefore, constitutional or systemic symptoms are generally not expected findings. Rationale: A. Low-grade fever and malaise are more commonly associated with inflammatory or infectious joint disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or septic arthritis. Osteoarthritis results from mechanical wear and cartilage degeneration rather than systemic inflammation. The presence of fever would prompt further evaluation for another underlying condition rather than uncomplicated OA. B. Fatigue and generalized weakness are often seen in chronic inflammatory diseases where cytokine activity affects the entire body, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. In osteoarthritis, symptoms are usually limited to the affected joints with pain during movement and stiffness after inactivity. Persistent generalized fatigue suggests a diagnosis other than isolated OA. C. Systemic symptoms are usually absent because osteoarthritis is a non-inflammatory degenerative condition affecting specific joints rather than the whole body. Patients typically report localized joint pain, crepitus, decreased range of motion, and stiffness that improves with movement. Constitutional symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or malaise are not characteristic findings. D. Weight loss and anorexia are not typical features of osteoarthritis and are more suggestive of chronic inflammatory disease, malignancy, or systemic illness. OA does not usually alter appetite or produce catabolic effects that lead to unintentional weight loss. Their presence would require investigation for an alternative or coexisting diagnosis.