Rheumatoid Arthritis (Questions with error-free answers)

The nurse is volunteering in one of the local free autoimmune disease clinics. The next client was recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. What are the goals of care for clients with rheumatoid arthritis? correct answers 1. Reduce inflammation 2. Prevent deformity 3. Preserve Function 4. Reduce pain The treatment goals for clients with rheumatoid arthritis are to reduce pain, reduce inflammation, preserve function, and prevent deformity. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. The nurse, working in an internal medicine practice, prepares to see a client diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis on the last visit. The client is complaining of pain and discomfort in the hands and knees. Which treatments can be used to reduce the pain and discomfort that the client is experiencing? correct answers 1. Taking corticosteroids 2. Exercising 3. Eating a balanced diet 4. Taking NSAIDs NSAIDs are used to treat inflammation and pain in clients with rheumatoid arthritis. Exercise increases muscle strength and preserves function. Low-dose corticosteroids are used to reduce pain and inflammation in clients with rheumatoid arthritis. These medications also slow the development and progression of bone erosion. Improving nutrition promotes a well-balanced diet improving overall health in clients. It is also recommended to substitute dietary fat with omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils. Some medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis cause sun sensitivity. Clients are advised to decrease the amount of time in the sun and to use sunscreen with sun protection when outdoors. A client diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is being seen in an outpatient clinic. Which diagnostic test results would indicate presence of RA? correct answers 1. Negative rheumatoid Factor (RF) 2. Positive anti-citrulline antibodies 3. Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) Increased ESR would indicate presence of inflammation in the joints, which occurs with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis may be present with a negative RF. A positive anti-citrulline antibody test indicates the presence of RA in the absence of RF. Positive, not negative, antinuclear antibodies indicate presence of RA. Decreased bone density is found in clients with psoriatic arthritis, not with RA. The nurse is performing an assessment on a client who complains of joint pain and stiffness. The client was admitted to the unit with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Which reported signs and