Page 2125 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

3. Joint replacement (arthroplasty): Surgical replacement
of diseased joints with artificial joints; performed to
restore motion to a joint and function to the muscles,
ligaments, and other soft tissue structures that control
a joint

XV. Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)

A. Description
1. Osteoarthritis is marked by progressive deterioration
of the articular cartilage.
2. Osteoarthritis causes bone buildup and the loss of
articular cartilage in peripheral and axial joints.
3. Osteoarthritis affects the weight-bearing joints and
joints that receive the greatest stress, such as the hips,
knees, lower vertebral column, and hands.
4. The cause of primary osteoarthritis is not known. Risk
factors include trauma, aging, obesity, genetic
changes, and smoking.
B. Assessment

1. The client experiences joint pain that

diminishes after rest and intensifies after activity,
noted early in the disease process.
2. As the disease progresses, pain occurs with slight
motion or even at rest.
3. Symptoms are aggravated by temperature change and
climate humidity.
4. Presence of Heberden’s nodes or Bouchard’s nodes
(hands)
5. Joint swelling (may be minimal), crepitus, and limited
range of motion
6. Difficulty getting up after prolonged sitting
7. Skeletal muscle disuse atrophy
8. Inability to perform activities of daily living
9. Compression of the spine as manifested by radiating
pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms in 1 or both
extremities
C. Pain
1. Administer medications as prescribed, such as
acetaminophen or topical applications; if
acetaminophen or topical agents do not relieve pain,
NSAIDs may be prescribed. Muscle relaxants may
also be prescribed for muscle spasms, especially those
occurring in the back.
2. Prepare the client for corticosteroid injections into
joints as prescribed.
3. Position joints in function position and avoid flexion

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