Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
What type of disease is rheumatoid arthritis classified as?
Diffuse connective tissue disease
What is the origin of rheumatoid arthritis?
Autoimmune disease of unknown origin
What primarily occurs in the synovial tissue during rheumatoid arthritis?
Autoimmune reaction
What process produces enzymes within the joint in rheumatoid arthritis?
Phagocytosis
What does collagen breakdown lead to in rheumatoid arthritis?
Edema, proliferation of synovial membrane, and pannus formation
What is the effect of pannus on cartilage and bone?
Destroys cartilage and erodes the bone
Which muscles undergo degenerative changes in rheumatoid arthritis?
Muscle fibers
What are some risk factors for developing rheumatoid arthritis?
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Diet
- Stress
- Lack of exercise
- Genetics
- Sex (more common in women)
- Environmental factors
What is the female-to-male ratio for developing rheumatoid arthritis?
3 to 1
What are common clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis?
- Joint Pain
- Swelling
- Warmth
- Erythema
- Lack of Function
- Deformities
- Rheumatoid nodules
What does an elevated antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer indicate?
Screening test for rheumatic disorders, elevated in 25-30% of RA patients
What percentage of rheumatoid arthritis cases test positive for rheumatoid factor (RF)?
More than 80%
What is a common finding in the CBC of rheumatoid arthritis patients?
Moderate anemia and elevated WBC during inflammation
What type of medication is currently the standard treatment for early rheumatoid arthritis?
Methotrexate
What are two types of medications used for persistent, erosive rheumatoid arthritis?
- Corticosteroids
- Immunosuppressants
What are some nursing diagnoses for patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
- Acute and chronic pain
- Fatigue
- Impaired physical mobility
- Self-care deficit
- Disturbed body image
- Ineffective coping
What is a goal of nursing management for rheumatoid arthritis?
Improvement in comfort level
Fill in the blank: The application of heat or cold, massage, and position changes are examples of ______.
Comfort measures
What should be monitored in patients taking medications for rheumatoid arthritis?
- Medication side effects
- Systemic and local infections
What is important to teach patients about rheumatoid arthritis management?
- Disease management
- Lifestyle adaptations
- Medication side effects
- Strategies for independence and function
What are expected outcomes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis management?
- Improved comfort level
- Incorporated pain management techniques
- Attained optimal functional mobility
- Adapted to physical and psychological changes
