University:
American Career College
Course:
NURS112 | Fundamentals of Nursing
Academic year:

2020
Views:

422

Pages:

1
Author:

sonalhava9qv

Heredity predisposition Women: Men =3:1 ratio Peaks at 35-45 yrs. ( RA can occur at any age)* Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) PATHO: RA is an autoimmune disease in which the primary cause is not known. In RA, the immune system attacks healthy lining of the joints (synovial membranes) & causes inflammation. If the inflammation persists the body releases chemicals and enzymes through a complex biological process that eventually causes destruction of cartilage & bones Primary areas impacted by RA are: Shoulder joints Hip Joints Environmental Triggers Cigarette Smoking Viral infections Obesity SYMPTOMS: Fatigue, Anorexia, Weight loss, Low grade fever, Weakness, Early morning joint stiffness of variable duration, Symmetric joint pain, Pain with prolonged sitting or aggravated by movement, Deformity of joints over time, Rheumatoid nodules over boney prominences or subcutaneous, any organ may be affected by RA, heart, lungs, kidneys eyes Auto Immune Reaction leads to: Release of inflammatory mediators & cytokines Knee Joints Chronic Inflammation of the synovial tissue lining of the joint capsule Elbow Joints Increased tissue formation or formation of “Pannus” Wrist (DIP, MCP, PIP**) Joints Pannus invades cartilage & bone surface Ankle joints Cartilage and bone erode Tarsal Joints End state is: Joint MTP*** Joints Destruction Treatments include: Life style changes, medication, & in severe conditions surgery Physical Therapy: Life style changes, quit smoking Medications: DMARDs- disease modifying anti-inflammatory rheumatic drugs which relieve pain and slows down progression such as Methotrexate and Sulfaslazine, (NSAIDs) Ibuprofen, Naproxen, CORTICOSTEROIDs- Prednisolone which reduces pain and slows down damage to joints, BIOLOGICs-which suppress the immune system such as Anakinra & Tocilizumab. Surgery: Tendon Repair Surgery, Synovectomy, Joint Replacement Surgery Desired Outcomes: Maintain integrity and functioning of joints without breakdown of cartilage and bone tissues resulting in deformities for as long as possible using the most conservative methods *When RA occurs in childhood it is called “juvenile idiopathic arthritis” ** DIP= Distal Interphalangeal, MCP=Metacarpal Phalangeal, PIP=Proximal Interphalangeal ***MTP= Metatarsal Phalangeal