A healthcare professional is assessing a client with rheumatoid arthritis. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of this disease?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes. This is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis due to the inflammatory nature of the disease. The prolonged morning stiffness is a hallmark feature, reflecting the systemic inflammation present in rheumatoid arthritis. This symptom is not typically seen in osteoarthritis, which rules out options A and B. Pain that worsens with activity is more indicative of osteoarthritis as opposed to rheumatoid arthritis, making option D incorrect.