After assessing a patient in the emergency department, the nurse determines that the patient has a form of arthritis that is a medical emergency. For which type of arthritis should the nurse plan care for this patient?

Septic arthritis is a form of arthritis that is considered a medical emergency. It is an acute, severe infection of a joint often caused by bacteria entering the joint space. Prompt recognition and treatment are essential to prevent irreversible joint damage and systemic spread of the infection. Symptoms of septic arthritis typically include severe joint pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and decreased range of motion. The nurse should plan care to facilitate rapid diagnosis, administration of antibiotics, joint drainage if necessary, and close monitoring for complications. Osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, and reactive arthritis are not medical emergencies and generally require different treatment approaches.