A client has just returned from x-ray after reporting pain in her joints. the x-rays indicate damage of the joint spaces. this is indicative of which disease process?

The correct answer is osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is also called degenerative joint disease and is the most common chronic disease of the joints. People suffering from osteoarthritis report pain in their joints, stiffness and loss of flexibility. It is caused by the deterioration of the cartilage between the joint spaces, which protects and acts as a cushion.

This sounds like Osteoarthritis to me. Pain usually associated with joint or muscle pain is usually caused by aging and the bones / muscles weakening over time losing bone mass and structure in the process. This happens also when the bones rub against each other, and it causes very painful swelling or lose of function around the joints.