Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
True or false? Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease that affects the joints
True
What are the other clinical symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis?
Fatigue, weight loss, low-grade fever
Is there a particular age group that is affected?
No , it can occur at any age
What factor will be found in the blood of a client with this form of Arthritis?
Rheumatoid factor
____ _____ _____ will also be elevated in the blood
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Which joints are mostly affected?
Joints in the hands, wrist, feet, elbows, shoulders
Will these joints be affected unilaterally or bilaterally?
Bilaterally- both hands, feet knees, etc
Due to inflammation of the synovial membranes, which damages cartilage, joint ____ are seen.
Deformities
____ are the primary drug therapy
NSAIDS
Should you encourage this client to exercise?
Yes, activity helps the pain
