Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, treatment, nursing interventions, and medications NCLEX review lecture.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the joints. It specifically affects the membrane lining of the joint called the synovium.

Rheumatoid arthritis can eventually lead to complete bone fusion and severe immobility. Stages of rheumatoid arthritis include: synovitis, formation of a pannus, and bone ankylosis.

Rheumaotid arthritis symptoms include: soft, tender, warm, and swollen joints. The patient will feel very tired and experience a fever. RA affects the same joints bilaterally, therefore it is symmetrical. In addition, to the stiffness and pain being worst in the mornings (greater than 30 minutes or more) or after long periods of inactivity.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects all types of joints. In contrast, osteoarthritis tends to affect the weight bearing joints. Most commonly the fingers and wrist are affected in rheumatoid arthritis, but it can also affect the neck, shoulders, elbows, ankles, knee, and feet. RA doesn’t just affect the joints but it can extend to the heart, skin, eyes, mouth, lungs, and cause anemia.

In osteoarthritis the joints are only affected, not the system.

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment includes: heat and cold therapy, using assistive devices, physical exercise (ROM and low impact aerobics) along with plans for periods of rest, always resting an inflamed joint, medications: NSAIDs, corticosteriods, and DMARDs, and surgery. There is no cure for RA. Nursing interventions for rheumatoid arthritis include: pain management, preserving the joints (their function, mobility, and how to use assistive devices), education (medications and non-pharmacological treatments), mental status (dealing with depression and improving self-esteem, increasing energy level etc.)