Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview

<p>Smaller joints like fingers and toes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Symptoms are symmetrical, affecting the same joints on both sides (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Achieving clinical remission (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A balance of rest and movement (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>40 percent (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Discontinue without a taper (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hepatitis B and C (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hypertension (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Serious infections (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Rheumatoid arthritis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Reduces the response to vaccinations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An immunosuppressant with potential hepatotoxicity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Monitor for retinal damage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Methotrexate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Increased risk of serious infections (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Alcohol should be avoided entirely (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>By 2.5 to 5.0 mg every 3–7 days (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Infliximab (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Second-generation NSAIDs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gastrointestinal bleeding (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To suppress immune function (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mood instability (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The risk of adrenal suppression (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To allow adrenal glands to resume function (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dexamethasone (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Risk of cardiovascular events (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To monitor and use the lowest effective dose (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Severe allergic reactions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Lowest dose for the shortest time (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Both provide rapid symptom relief (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A chronic autoimmune disease causing inflammation in joints and sometimes other body systems.

Inflammation erodes joint tissues, potentially leading to permanent joint damage and deformity.

Tender, warm, swollen joints; morning stiffness; fatigue; fever; loss of appetite.

To minimize pain, inflammation, and stiffness, and to slow disease progression.

Drugs used to lessen pain, inflammation, and joint stiffness in RA patients.

Heat, massage, and rest/movement, often helpful in managing RA symptoms.

Typically initiates medication, and nurse practitioners handle routine care for RA patients.

RA can affect systems beyond joints, including skin, eyes, lungs, and kidneys.

Reducing prednisone dosage gradually to avoid side effects, typically using 2.5-5.0 mg decrements every 3-7 days for doses > 40 mg for 5 days until 2.5 mg for 3 days.

Short-term prednisone use (less than 2 weeks).

Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, sepsis, and heart failure.

Medication group used to treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Folic acid antagonist that suppresses inflammation to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, leukopenia, and certain antibiotic combinations (hepatotoxicity).

Potential for bone marrow suppression, kidney problems, liver damage, cancer, skin issues, infections, severe reactions and birth defects.

DMARD that binds to TNF-alpha to reduce immune response for autoimmune conditions.

Risk of serious infections and cancer.

Powerful immunosuppressant DMARD.

Embryo-fetal toxicity and hepatotoxicity.

Antimalarial DMARD often taken with methotrexate; use cautiously for retinal damage.

Specific DMARDs inhibiting the harmful part of the immune response.

Increased risk of serious infections and malignancies.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that provide rapid symptom relief by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX).

Inhibition of COX-1 enzyme primarily causes adverse gastrointestinal effects in NSAIDs.

Inhibition of COX-2 provides anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in NSAIDs.

NSAIDs that inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.

NSAIDs that primarily inhibit COX-2 enzyme, resulting in fewer gastrointestinal side effects.

Powerful anti-inflammatory agents used to relieve widespread pain, inflammation, and flares related to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs that are not for acute flares and are best for long-term management.

Corticosteroids can cause various side effects, including altered metabolism, immune response, impaired bone health, skin changes, and neurological, cardiac, and ocular issues.

Corticosteroids can be used for preterm labor risk, but the lowest and shortest dose possible is recommended. Avoid extended duration.

Steroids can be used at low doses for short periods without risk, and low-dose topical is safe. High doses, consult a doctor.

NSAIDs can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal events.

Gradual reduction of corticosteroid dosage to allow the body to recover, and avoid sudden withdrawal which can also harm patients.

Close monitoring of patients for side effects when using corticosteroids is vital.

Take corticosteroids with a full glass of water after food, at the same time daily, and maintain doses within recommended limits to reduce GI distress.

Lifestyle strategies to reduce the risks associated with corticosteroid usage.