Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 83%
Simulated
A client with chronic osteoarthritis is reporting knee pain. Which pathophysiological process is contributing to the pain?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage breakdown due to mechanical wear, aging, and chondrocyte dysfunction. Loss of cartilage exposes bone, leading to osteophyte formation and pain. Option accurately describes this noninflammatory, degenerative process.