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By : Ashlee Kolkow
Please enjoy the show……..
What is RA?
• Most serious form of
arthritis, leading to severe
crippling
• Autoimmune disorder
• Chronic inflammation of
the synovial membrane
of the diarthrodial joints
• May affect major organ
systems
( lungs,heart,blood
vessels,muscles,eyes,skin)
*RA*
Clinical Manifestations
• Involves a immune reaction that will not shut
off due to failure in the immune system
• Resulting in damage to the affected tissue
possibly leading to gross deformity and loss of
function
• Characterized by periods of remission and
exacerbation
Assessment
• Subjective
• Objective
Malaise
Muscle weakness
Loss of appetite
Generalized
Edema on joints
Tenderness
Subcutaneous nodules
Limiting ROM
Fever
Diagnostic Tests
• No single definitive test for RA
• Diagnosis based on patient history and
findings during physical exam.
• Four classic symptoms
1.
2.
3.
4.
Morning stiffness
Joint pain
Muscle weakness
Fatigue
Treatment
• Anti-inflammatory drug
- Indocin
• Pain relief
- Celebrex
• Prolonging join function
- Physical therapy. Traction, and splints
Continued………..
• Advances in cell and molecular biology
had influences the current treatment of
RA. Disease-modifying antirheumatoid
medications target an enzyme known as
tumor necrosis factor (TNF). It’s a
proinflammatory substance that is
produced by the synovial cells and other
cells of the body and produces signs and
symptoms of inflammation.
Nursing Interventions/Patient
Teaching
• Rest, Rest, Rest
• Sleeping 8-10 hrs a night with 2-hr naps
during daytime
• Light exercise 2 or 3 times daily
• Heat application helps relax and soothe
muscles.
• Allow patient to perform ADLs
Prognosis
• Stage I represents early effect
• Stage IV, the terminal category, includes
marked joint deformity, extensive muscle
atrophy, soft tissue lesions, bone and
cartilage destruction, and fibrous or bony
ankylosis
THE END