Chapter 88: Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive _______ disease that can affect tissues and organs but principally attacks the joints, producing inflammatory ______.
inflammatory
synovitis
RA involves joints bilaterally and ________, and typically affects several joints at one time.
symmetrically
RA typically affects ______ joints first.
upper
RA is an _______ disease that is precipitated by WBCs attacking synovial tissue.
autoimmune
With RA the______ cause the synovial tissue to become inflamed and thickened.
WBCs
The inflammation can extend to the ______, bone, tendons, and ligaments that surround the joint.
cartilage
Joint _______ and bone erosion can result from these changes, decreasing the joint’s range of motion and function.
deformity
RA is also a systemic disease that can affect any ______ tissue in the body.
connective
Common structures affected are the blood vessels, pleura surrounding the lungs, and ___________.
pericardium
Iritis and _______ can also develop in the eyes as a result of RA.
scleritis
The natural course of RA is one of exacerbations and ______.
remissions.
With RA you use ______ that prevent development of deformity of inflamed joint during ADLs.
adaptive devices
With RA you want to continue using affected joints and ______ to maintain function and range of motion.
ambulating
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Risk Factors
Female gender (3:1 compared to males)
Age 20-50 years
Genetic predisposition
Epstein-Barr virus
Stress
Environmental factors
Older age
- Early signs of RA (fatigue, joint discomfort) are vague and can be attributed to other disorders in older adult clients.
- Joint pain and dysfunction can have a greater effect on older adult clients than younger ones due to the presence of other chronic conditions.
- Older adult clients can be less able to overcome and/or cope with joint pain/deformity.
An expected finding of RA is _____ at rest and with movement.
pain
An expected finding of RA is ______ stiffness.
morning
An expected finding of RA is ______ pain (pain upon inspiration).
pleuritic
An expected finding of RA is _____ mouth aka xerostomia
dry
An expected finding of RA is anorexia/weight loss, ______, paresthesias.
fatigue
An expected finding of RA is having occured a _________ illness/stressor.
recent
An expected finding of RA is joint ____.
pain
An expected finding of RA is lack of ______.
function
An expected finding of RA is joint swelling and ______.
deformity
Join deformities are a _____ signs of RA.
late