Chapter 54 Flashcards
What are some problems caused by rheumatic diseases?
The problems include limitations in mobility and ADLs, systemic affect secondly organ failure and death or result in problems such as pain, fatigue, altered self image and sleep disturbance.
What are some common rheumatic diseases?
▪️ osteoarthritis
▪️ systemic lupus erythema
▪️ scleredema
What tissues do rheumatoid diseases primarily effect?
Skeletal muscles, bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and joints.
What part of the body is most commonly affected by rheumatoid diseases?
The joints.
What is the action of inflammation?
The antigen stimulus activates monocytes & T lymphocytes. Next immunoglobulin antibodies form immune complexes with antigens. Phagocytosis of the immune complexes causes inflammation.
What is the most common symptom of rheumatic diseases that causes people to seek medical treatment?
Pain.
What is involved in physical assessment for rheumatic diseases?
A combination of physical examination with functional examination.
What imaging studies are used with rheumatic diseases?
X-ray, CT scan, MRI and arthroscopy.
Why is it difficult to diagnose rheumatic diseases and elderly people?
Age and coexisting health problems.
What is medical management of rheumatoid arthritis?
Pharmacologic therapy including salicylates, NSAIDs and antirheumatic drugs. Short-term use of antidepressants may help with pain management and sleep. Heat application, braces, splints and assistive devices can help minimize stress on painful joints.
What is the importance of exercise and activity Intermatic diseases?
Maintain or improve joint mobility and functional status.
Why is sleep essential for patients with rheumatic diseases?
To cope with pain, minimize physical fatigue and deal with changes related to chronic disease.
What are examples of diffuse connective tissue diseases?
RA, SLE, scleroderma, polymyositis, and polymyalgia rheumatica.
How does RA effect joint health?
Enzymes cause collagen breakdown ultimately leading to pannus formation.
How does RA manifest?
Joint pain, swelling, warmth, erythema, and lack of function.
What are some ways RA may be diagnosed?
Rheumatoid nodules, joint inflammation and laboratory findings.
What is early treatment for RA?
Education, a balance of rest and exercise, and support agencies. Call management begins with NSAIDs and salicylates.
How is moderate, erosive RA treated?
PT and OT. And immunosuppressant may be prescribed such as the cyclosporine.
How is persistent, erosive RA treated?
Reconstructive surgery and low-dose steroids.
How is advanced, unremitting RA treated?
Immunosuppressive agents, short-term low-dose antidepressants, nutrition therapy- foods high in vitamins protein and iron.
How does a nurse manage RA?
Monitoring medication-induced complications, helping patient to maintain is much independence as possible, and encourage patients and their family to verbalize concerns and ask questions.
What is SLE?
Systemic lupus erythamatosis is the exaggerated production of autoantibodies.
How does SLE manifest?
Can affect any body system but it commonly affects the musculoskeletal system.
How is SLE diagnosed?
Complete history, physical examination and blood tests.
What medications are used to treat SLE?
Corticosteroids, anti-malarial medications, NSAIDs, and immunosuppressive agents.
What is scleroderma?
Is in undergoes fibrotic changes, leading to loss of elasticity and movement. Eventually tissue degenerates and becomes nonfunctional.