How long does morning stiffness typically last in osteoarthritis?

Prepare for the ANCC Adult–Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each comes with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

In osteoarthritis, morning stiffness typically lasts less than 30 minutes, which aligns with the characteristics of this degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the degeneration of joint cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain and stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity, such as overnight sleep.

Less than 30 minutes of morning stiffness is consistent with the fact that in osteoarthritis, stiffness usually diminishes quickly with movement. Unlike conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, where morning stiffness might last for several hours, osteoarthritis presents with a more transient duration of stiffness that is generally relieved within a short time as the individual begins to move and engage in daily activities.

Thus, this option correctly reflects the typical symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, making it the most accurate choice in the context of the question.

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