RA Flashcards
1
Q
Joint Inflammation (Early Presentation)
A
Upper extremity joints are more commonly affected
Proximal interphalangeal joints
Metacarpophalangeal joints
Slightly reddened, warm, tender, swollen, stiff
Bilateral and symmetric
Migratory arthritis in early disease
2
Q
Joint Inflammation (Late Presentation)
A
Joint inflammation worsens More joints become involved Gel Phenomenon Joint effusions Fingers may appear spindle-like Muscle atrophy Decreases Range of Motion Most, if not all joints will become affected TMJ- severe disease Cervical joints
3
Q
Systemic Assessment
A
Fever - Fatigue - Weakness - Weight loss - May occur as flare-ups/ AKA Exacerbations - Presence of subcutaneous nodules - Vasculitis Organ Ischemia/ dysfunction Periungual lesions - Footdrop - Paresthesia - Lung involvement Pleurisy Pneumonitis Interstitial fibrosis Pulmonary HTN - Heart involvement Pericarditis Myocarditis Eye involvement Iritis Scleritis
4
Q
Quality of life assessment
A
- Quality of Life Mobility Fatigue Physical appearance Support - Exacerbations Physical stress Emotional Stress
5
Q
RA Diagnostics
A
RA Specific Anti-CCP (anti-cyclic citrullinated) Autoimmune Disorder Rheumatoid factor (RF) Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Inflammation Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate (ESR) High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) Other diagnostics CBC (Anemia, Increased WBC’s) X-ray (Joints) CT-scan (Joints) Bone Scan (Osteoporosis)
6
Q
Athrocentosis
A
Used to aspirate synovial fluid from inflamed joint Relieves pressure Fluid can be analyzed RA: Cloudy fluid with increased WBC’s Post-care (24 hours) Rest Ice Oral analgesic
7
Q
Interventions
A
Pharmacology Nursing Care Plasmapheresis Synovectomy (surgical removal of the synovium) Total Joint Arthroplasty
8
Q
Other interventions
A
Pain Rest (Balance & Set priorities) Position Ice Heat/ Paraffin Hot Shower in the morning - Mobility Occupational therapy Assistive devices Fatigue Pace activities/ rest and activity Set priorities - Psychosocial Coping Body Image
9
Q
Alternative therapy interventions
A
Acupuncture Hypnosis Imagery Stress Management Proper Nutrition Supplements Physical Therapy
