Rheumatoid Arthritis

Question 1

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Answer 1

a chronic, progressive, inflammatory autoimmune disease that principally attacks the joints, but can affect any connective tissue in the body

Question 2

What are other tissue can RA commonly affect?

Answer 2

Heart
Kidneys
Skin
Lungs

Question 3

What is a characteristic that distinguishes it from OA?

Answer 3

Joint pain/stiffness typically affects bilateral joints that resolves with movement and causes joint deformities

Question 4

Because it is an autoimmune disease, it typically goes through _________ and ____________ cycles.

Answer 4

remission

exacerbation

Question 5

How is RA diagnosed?

Answer 5

Positive rheumatoid factors (RF)
Xray - used to determine the degree of joint destruction and monitor progression
Arthrocentesis will show increased WBC and RF
Anti-CCP will be positive in most people with RA, even years before manifestations develop

Question 6

What is the treatment for RA?

Answer 6

Diagnose early
DMARDs (disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs) -
Biologics
NSAIDs
Steroids

Question 7

What is an example of a DMARD used for RA?

Answer 7

Hydroxychloroquine

Question 8

What are examples of palliative care for RA?

Answer 8

Exercising with periods of rest
Decrease stress