Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect in a client with early-stage rheumatoid arthritis?

A. Kirk and Spock's nodes: Rationale: This is a distractor. The correct term is Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes, which are characteristic of osteoarthritis, not rheumatoid arthritis (RA). B. Joint pain that improves with activity: Rationale: This is true for osteoarthritis. In RA, pain and stiffness are typically worse after rest, especially in the morning. C. Bone spurs and asymmetric joint involvement: Rationale: Bone spurs and asymmetric joint involvement are typical of osteoarthritis. RA is usually symmetrical and systemic. D. Morning stiffness lasting more than an hour: Rationale: This is a hallmark early symptom of RA due to inflammation of synovial joints.