The nurse is assessing a 66-year-old patient with osteoarthritis. The patient also has a history of emphysema and Raynaud's phenomenon. The nurse would expect to observe which of the following symptoms?

Explanation

• Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain, a gradual decrease in range of motion, crepitus, Heberden's nodes in the distal interphalangeal joints, and Bouchard's node in the proximal interphalangeal joints. 

• Joint pain in osteoarthritis occurs with movement, often after sitting or lying too long.

• Heberden's nodes are bony bumps that occur at the distal (closest to the fingernail) interphalangeal joints and are associated with osteoarthritis.

• Bouchard's nodes are bony growths at the proximal (middle) interphalangeal joints, observed in both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

• Cold fingers and toes are a common symptom of Raynaud's phenomenon.

• A chronic cough is a common symptom of emphysema. 

• Tender joints that feel warm and morning stiffness lasting hours are common in rheumatoid arthritis

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