The nurse is assessing a client with suspected rheumatoid arthritis.Which of the following musculoskeletal changes would contribute to a positive diagnosis?

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Ulnar deviation, swan-neck deformity, and symmetrical loss of function in extremities are characteristic musculoskeletal changes associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Ulnar deviation involves the fingers deviating towards the ulna side of the forearm, swan-neck deformity is characterized by hyperextension of the proximal interphalangeal joint with flexion of the distal interphalangeal joint, and symmetrical loss of function reflects the typical pattern of joint involvement in rheumatoid arthritis. Bouchard's nodes and Heberden's nodes are more commonly associated with osteoarthritis.

The Nurse Is Assessing a Client with Suspected Rheumatoid Arthritis