Rheumatoid Arthritis

Question 1

Rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 1

Common connective tissue disease that destructs joints
Autoimmune
Systemic
Synovium joint especially
Inflammatory
Bilateral & symmetrical. -chronic & progressive

Question 2

S/S of rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 2

Fatigue. Joint deformity
Generalized weakness Pain worse in the am
Weight Loss. Autoimmune
Anorexia. Females between 35-40yrs
Morning stiffness
Bilateral inflammation of joints

Question 3

S/S of inflammation

Answer 3

Decreased ROM
Joint pain
Warmth
Edema
Erythema

Question 4

Test that help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 4

Elevated ESR. C-reactive protein (CRP)
Positive rheumatoid factor
Presences of antinuclear antibody(ANA)
Joint-space narrowing w/ arthroscopic examination
Abnormal synovial fluid

Question 5

Nursing diagnoses for rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 5

Chronic pain related to…
Impaired physical mobility related to…
Self-care deficit(specify) related to…
Ineffective coping related to…

Question 6

Interventions for pt w/ rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 6

Pain relief
Periods of rest after activity
Avoid exertion
Proper posture & joint positioning
Assistive devices
Education

Question 7

Rheumatoid factor blood test

Answer 7

Presences of unusual antibodies

Question 8

ANA blood test

Answer 8

Anti-nuclear antibody
Measures a group of antibodies that destroys the nuclei of cells and cause tissue death in pt w/autoimmune disease
Normal ANA is negative

Question 9

What does c-relative protein and ESR test for

Answer 9

Inflammation

Question 10

What is the goal of treatment with RA

Answer 10

To slow the progression, manage pain, prevent joint destruction, and support mobility

Question 11

Manifestation

Answer 11

Inflammation that can develop a low grade fever, fatigue, and weakness in anorexia due to the systemic effects of Rheumatoid arthritis

Question 12

Auto immune

Answer 12

The body’s immune system had identified something foreign that should not be foreign

Question 13

Biological response modifiers

Answer 13

BMR
Try to suppress hyper-autoimmune response
PUTS PT AT RISK FOR INFECTIONS

Question 14

Non-pharmacological treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 14

Adequate rest
Positioning
Application of heat/cold

Question 15

NSAIDS

Answer 15

Non-steroidal ain’t-inflammatory medication
Treat RA
Can cause GI upset (irritation & bleed)

Question 16

Thoracentesis

Answer 16

An invasive procedure
Can be used for pt w/joint swelling if they have excessive synovial fluid
Associated w/ RA
Done at bedside/ relieves pressure on the joint
Can analyze synovial fluid for inflammatory cells including RA

Question 17

Post- procedure for thoracentesis

Answer 17

Monitor site for bleeding or leaking

REPORT increased pain

Question 18

First line of meds for RA

Answer 18

DMARDS 
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
methotrexate
Monitors therapeutic effect 
Can cause WBC to decrease
PT must avoid crowds, sick people

Question 19

CT scans may have what in the contrast

Answer 19

iodine

Make sure there is previous allergic reaction

Question 20

Is there a cure for rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 20

NO