30 Questions
What is the goal of treatment at all phases of the RA disease process?
To decrease joint pain and swelling, achieve clinical remission, decrease the likelihood of joint deformity, and minimize disability
What is the recommended initial treatment approach once the diagnosis of RA is made?
Begin with either a nonbiologic or biologic DMARD
Which medication is the preferred nonbiologic DMARD for the treatment of RA?
Methotrexate
What should be routinely monitored when using DMARD therapy for RA?
Liver and kidney function
When is it recommended to begin treatment with nonbiologic DMARDs, biologics, or tofacitinib within the course of RA?
Within 3 months of disease onset
What is the purpose of using biologic DMARDs in the treatment of RA?
To prevent inflammation and joint damage
What is a common nursing diagnosis for rheumatoid arthritis patients?
Impaired physical mobility
What is the role of assistive devices in nursing interventions for rheumatoid arthritis patients?
Enhancing self-care abilities
When are community health agency referrals initiated for rheumatoid arthritis patients?
When self-care deficits persist
What is a common comorbid condition in rheumatoid arthritis patients?
Cardiovascular disease
What is the focus of patient education for rheumatoid arthritis patients?
Maintaining independence, medication adherence, and device use
What is the nurse's role in medication management for rheumatoid arthritis patients?
Monitoring medication side effects and counseling patients
What is the recommended use of corticosteroids in early treatment of RA?
Use as a bridge
Which medications are JAK inhibitors used in combination with for RA treatment?
Methotrexate
What is the role of NSAIDs in RA treatment?
Relieve pain and inflammation
When are biologic DMARDs typically reserved for RA patients?
For persistent moderate to severe RA patients unresponsive to synthetic DMARDs
What is the purpose of topical analgesic agents in RA treatment?
To relieve pain
What is the essential management required for RA patients affected by increasing obesity prevalence?
Nonpharmacologic pain management techniques
What does patient education for rheumatoid arthritis cover?
Self-management, therapeutic regimen, and medication side effects
Who may have concerns about childbearing, family care, and work responsibilities?
Young women with RA
What is safe and potentially beneficial for RA patients?
Acupuncture
What does the nurse educate patients on?
Topical analgesic agents, pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms
What is included in patient education for rheumatoid arthritis?
Disease management, lifestyle adaptations, and exercise discussions
When may referral for home care be warranted?
Based on disease severity and patient's resources
What should dietary counseling for RA patients emphasize?
Foods high in vitamins, protein, and iron for tissue building and repair
What is a key nursing intervention for pain management in RA patients?
Providing a variety of comfort measures and administering anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and slow-acting antirheumatic medications as prescribed
What is important for nursing interventions for fatigue in RA patients?
Providing education about fatigue, developing and encouraging a sleep routine, and explaining the importance of rest for relieving stress
What should nursing interventions for impaired mobility in RA patients emphasize?
Encouraging verbalization regarding limitations in mobility and emphasizing range of motion of affected joints
What could approximately half of the increase in BMI within the first year of diagnosis with RA be attributed to?
Steroid use
What do patients with newly diagnosed RA require information about?
The disease for daily self-management decisions and coping with a chronic disease
Study Notes
Nursing Care for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Approximately half of the increase in BMI within the first year of diagnosis with RA could be attributed to steroid use
- Dietary counseling for RA patients should include emphasis on foods high in vitamins, protein, and iron for tissue building and repair
- Nursing care for RA patients includes addressing common issues such as pain, sleep disturbance, fatigue, altered mood, and limited mobility
- Patients with newly diagnosed RA require information about the disease for daily self-management decisions and coping with a chronic disease
- Consultation with a dietician for assessment and assistance with appropriate food choices may be beneficial
- Nursing interventions for pain management in RA patients include providing a variety of comfort measures and administering anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and slow-acting antirheumatic medications as prescribed
- Verbalization of feelings about pain and chronicity of disease is encouraged to promote coping
- Nursing interventions for fatigue in RA patients include providing education about fatigue, developing and encouraging a sleep routine, and explaining the importance of rest for relieving stress
- Encouraging adherence to the treatment program and facilitating the development of an appropriate activity/rest schedule can help modify fatigue
- Nursing interventions for impaired mobility in RA patients include encouraging verbalization regarding limitations in mobility and emphasizing range of motion of affected joints
- Therapeutic exercises, proper footwear, and assistive equipment may improve mobility in RA patients
- Changes in mobility may lead to a decrease in personal safety, and the degree of mobility may be slow to improve with intervention
Test your knowledge of nursing care for patients with rheumatoid arthritis with this quiz. Explore key aspects such as dietary counseling, pain management, fatigue, and impaired mobility interventions, as well as the importance of patient education and coping strategies.
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