Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoporosis

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary mechanism by which Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) work to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

  • Suppressing the immune system to decrease joint inflammation and prevent further joint damage. (correct)
  • Directly stimulating cartilage regeneration in affected joints to reverse damage..
  • Increasing the production of synovial fluid to improve joint lubrication and reduce friction.
  • Blocking pain receptors in the brain to provide immediate relief from arthritis-related discomfort.

A patient newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed both a DMARD and an NSAID. What is the most likely reason for this combination therapy?

  • To enhance the absorption of the DMARD, improving its efficacy through the anti-inflammatory actions of the NSAID.
  • To counteract the side effects of prolonged DMARD use with the protective properties of NSAIDs.
  • To prevent potential liver damage caused by long-term DMARD therapy using the anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDs.
  • To achieve faster initial pain relief with the NSAID while waiting for the DMARD to take effect. (correct)

Which of the following is the primary goal of medication therapy for osteoporosis?

  • To decrease the potential for fractures by increasing bone density and strength. (correct)
  • To manage autoimmune responses contributing to bone degradation.
  • To improve mobility and range of motion in the hips, wrists, and spine.
  • To reduce joint pain and inflammation through immunosuppression.

Why are older adults more susceptible to fractures in the hip, wrist, and spinal vertebrae?

<p>Age-related decline in bone density and muscle strength increases the risk of falls and fractures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the rationale for discontinuing NSAIDs in a rheumatoid arthritis patient who is also taking DMARDs?

<p>DMARDs provide long-term control of inflammation and pain, making continued NSAID use unnecessary. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the MOST accurate description of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

<p>An inflammatory, systemic, autoimmune disease primarily affecting synovial joints. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client is diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following is the PRIMARY goal of medication therapy?

<p>To prevent disabling deformities and decrease joint pain and inflammation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributes to the development of osteoporosis?

<p>Long-term glucocorticoid therapy leading to bone loss. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A post-menopausal client is diagnosed with osteoporosis. Which physiological change is the MOST likely cause of this condition?

<p>Decreased estrogen production, leading to increased bone reabsorption. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In osteoporosis, an imbalance between osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity leads to decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Which of the following BEST describes this imbalance?

<p>Osteoclastic activity exceeds osteoblastic activity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For a male client, what role does testosterone play in maintaining bone health, and how does its reduction affect the risk of developing osteoporosis?

<p>Testosterone helps build bone; its reduction increases osteoporosis risk. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A doctor is prescribing medication for a client with osteoporosis. What is the primary goal of this medication therapy?

<p>To decrease the possibility of fractures by maintaining or increasing bone strength. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A 65-year-old client is diagnosed with osteoporosis. Which lifestyle factor, if present, would MOST significantly exacerbate their condition?

<p>Overuse of alcohol and tobacco. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disease affecting all ages, more common in young to middle-age women, with the goal of decreasing joint pain and inflammation.

Osteoporosis

A progressive disease, most commonly caused by menopause, with the goal of decreasing the potential for fractures.

DMARDs

Immunosuppressive medications that decrease joint inflammation and damage, delaying the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

NSAIDs & DMARDs

NSAIDs provide quick pain relief while waiting for DMARDs to take effect; they may be discontinued once DMARDs provide sufficient control.

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DMARD Categories

Conventional synthetic (nonbiologic or traditional), biologic DMARDs, and targeted synthetic DMARDs.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

An inflammatory, systemic, autoimmune disease affecting joints and surrounding structures, leading to stiffness, pain, swelling, and deformity.

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RA Medication Therapy Goal

The primary goal is to reduce joint pain and inflammation and prevent disabling deformities.

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Menopause and Osteoporosis

Natural or surgical menopause causes decreased estrogen production, leading to bone density loss.

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Bone Remodeling

Bone constantly changes through remodeling: old bone is removed (reabsorption,) and new bone is formed (building).

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Osteoporosis Development

Occurs when bone reabsorption (osteoclastic activity) exceeds bone formation (osteoblastic activity), decreasing bone mineral density (BMD).

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BMD Peak Age

Peak bone mineral density is reached.

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Osteoporosis Medication Goal

Medications maintain and/or increase bone strength by reducing bone reabsorption and promoting bone formation.

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Study Notes

  • Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are common disorders of the joints and bones, both causing severe deformities and loss of function.
  • Medications are important in managing these disorders.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

  • RA is an inflammatory, systemic, autoimmune disease affecting joints and surrounding structures.
  • It primarily affects synovial joints but can occur wherever connective tissue is widespread.
  • RA leads to joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and deformity.
  • People of all ages can be affected although the risk of onset increases after age 60.
  • Both environmental and genetic factors are believed to play a role in the development of RA.
  • Medication therapy aims to decrease joint pain and inflammation and prevent disabling deformities.

Osteoporosis

  • Osteoporosis is a progressive disease characterized by reduced bone mass, decreased bone density, and increased fracture risk.
  • Natural or surgical menopause is a common cause, due to decreased estrogen production.
  • Aging, long-term glucocorticoid therapy, lack of weight-bearing activity, and excessive caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco use can also cause osteoporosis.
  • Bone is constantly changing through a process called bone remodeling.
  • Osteoporosis and osteopenia occur when bone reabsorption (osteoclastic activity) exceeds bone formation (osteoblastic activity).
  • This imbalance leads to decreased bone mineral density (BMD).
  • BMD peaks around ages 25 to 30 and is a determinant of bone strength.
  • Estrogen prevents bone loss, making post-menopausal clients more susceptible to osteoporosis, and thus, fractures.
  • Testosterone aids in bone building, so its reduction in aging men increases their risk of osteoporosis.
  • Medication therapy focuses on decreasing the possibility of fractures.
  • Medications maintain or increase bone strength by reducing bone reabsorption and promoting bone formation.
  • Common fracture sites in older adults include the hip, wrist, and spinal vertebrae.

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

  • DMARDs are immunosuppressive medications that reduce joint inflammation and damage.
  • They can delay the progression of RA, in addition to relieving symptoms.
  • DMARDs are often administered with NSAIDs, as DMARDs' therapeutic effects can take weeks to manifest.
  • NSAIDs may be discontinued once the DMARDs take effect and provide adequate pain control.
  • DMARDs are categorized into conventional synthetic, biologic, and targeted synthetic types.

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