The client's chief complaint is tenderness and stiffness in the wrist and elbow when interviewed by the nurse.The client reports the discomfort is worsened with activity.The nurse would suspect which of the following conditions in this situation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client's chief complaint of tenderness and stiffness in the wrist and elbow worsened with activity is consistent with osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints that increases with activity. Carpal tunnel syndrome typically causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand, and is less likely to affect the elbow. Crepitus of the wrists refers to a cracking, popping, or grinding sound in the joints and may or may not be associated with pain. Dupuytren's contracture is a hand deformity that affects the fingers, not the wrist or elbow.

The Client's Chief Complaint Is Tenderness and Stiffness in the Wrist