A patient with severe hip pain is diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA).What information should the nurse provide to the patient about this disease process?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Osteoarthritis causes a decrease in joint fluid that affects the cartilage, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. It is a degenerative joint disease that results from the breakdown of cartilage in joints over time. There is no overgrowth of cartilage or fluid buildup in OA, and joint fluid does not change color.

A Patient with Severe Hip Pain Is Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis