The nurse understands that which characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis distinguishes it from both osteoarthritis and gouty arthritis?
1. Impact is on weight-bearing joints
2. Symmetric involvement of joints
3. Uric acid serum levels are elevated
4. Range-of-motion crepitus
Answer: 2
Rheumatoid arthritis is bilateral and symmetric. Osteoarthritis and gouty arthritis are unilateral. Crepitus is associated with osteoarthritis. Elevated serum uric acid levels occur in gouty arthritis, and an impact on weight-bearing joints is observed with osteoarthritis. (Lewis, et al, 8 ed., p. 1651.)
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Mobility Nclex
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