When assessing a client's range of motion, the nurse notes crepitation with movement of the left knee. Which information in the client's history is most likely related to this finding?

A. Needle aspiration of the synovial space: This procedure is typically diagnostic or therapeutic and does not cause crepitation directly. B. Knee arthroplasty surgery: Post-surgical complications could cause limited motion, but crepitation is more likely linked to degenerative processes. C. Degenerative disease: Crepitation is often a result of degenerative joint disease (e.g., osteoarthritis) caused by the breakdown of cartilage and bone rubbing together. D. History of a fractured patella: While this can affect joint function, crepitation is less commonly associated unless significant degenerative changes have occurred.