Medical Surgical Assignment Exam HESI Related

Review Medical Surgical Assignment Exam HESI related questions and content

A woman with chronic osteoarthritis is complaining of knee pain. Which pathophysiological process is contributing to her pain?

  • A. Inflammation of the synovial membrane.
  • B. Degeneration of the cartilage in the joint.
  • C. Joint inflammation occurs when chondrocyte injury destroys joint cartilage, producing osteophytes.
  • D. Formation of uric acid crystals in the joint space.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. In osteoarthritis, the breakdown of cartilage in the joints leads to chondrocyte injury, which results in the destruction of joint cartilage and the production of osteophytes. This process causes joint inflammation and pain. Choice A is incorrect because osteoarthritis primarily involves the articular cartilage rather than the synovial membrane. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the degeneration of cartilage but does not explain the specific pathophysiological process contributing to pain in osteoarthritis. Choice D is incorrect as the formation of uric acid crystals is characteristic of gout, not osteoarthritis.