Arthritis

Question 1

osteoarthritis

Answer 1

NON-inflammatory disorder of the bendable joints
gradual loss of articular cartilage until it becomes bone on bone
destruction begins between 20-30 but no sx/sx until 50-60

in early stages pain will worsen with joint use but be relieved with rest. Later stages have pain with little relief from rest.

Question 2

Deformities associated with osteoarthritis

Answer 2

Heberden’s nodes and Buchard’s nodes (red, swollen and tender)

NO LOSS OF FUNCTION but visible deformity

knee: bow-legged, knock kneed
hip: one leg shorter than the other

Question 3

joint protection

Answer 3

balance rest and activity
rest during acute inflammation, but don’t be immobilized greater than one week

modify activities to decrease joint stress

assistive device PRN

Question 4

Drug Therapy

Answer 4

based on severity of patient’s symptoms

mild to moderate joint pain: NSAIDs, topical agent, OTC creams, topical salicylates

if pain is incapacitating, joint replacement may be needed

Question 5

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answer 5

chronic, systemic, autoimmune disease whose etiology is a combination of genetics and environmental triggers

inflammation of connective tissue in synovial joints

periods of remission and exacerbation

**etiology continued: antigen triggers formation of abnormal IgG globulins and autoantibodies develop against the abnormal IgG