NURS 5355: Module 4 Study Guide.

NURS 5355: Module 4 Study Guide. OA and RA What are the signs and symptoms of Osteoarthritis? ▪ Destruction of cartilage and narrowing of the joint space ▪ Most common in females after 55 ▪ Fingers, knees, hips and spine most commonly affected joints (most common fingers) ▪ Usually asymmetrical joint pain that develops slowly and accompanies or follows physical activity ▪ Morning stiffness that lasts <1 hour, resumes at end of the day or after activity ▪ Joints are cool with possible crepitus ▪ Osteophytes, or bony enlargements, form in the joints ▪ treat conservatively with exercise, heat etc. followed by acetaminophen and NSAIDS, followed by steroid injections. ▪ If pain is still present refer to rheumatologist What are Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes? Where are they located? ▪ Heberden’s: Bony bumps on the finger joint closest to the fingernail ▪ Burchard’s: Bony bumps on the middle joint of the finger What are the treatments for Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis? ▪ RA o Non-pharm ▪ Exercise program ▪ Splinting ▪ Orthotics to prevent deformities ▪ Functional insoles ▪ Cold therapy for analgesic, anti-inflammatory effect ▪ Heat therapy for relaxation and circulatory stimulation ▪ Consider Mediterranean diet ▪ Maintain or achieve healthy BMI ▪ Avoidance of allergens ▪ Surgery: arthroscopy with synovectomy, arthroplasty o Pharm ▪ Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (Enbrel, Methotrexate) ▪ Anti-TNF Agents (initiate after trial of 2 DMARDs) ▪ NSAIDS, COX-2 Inhibitors