RA Dunphy – Final Exam Questions and Answers

RA Dunphy – Final Exam Questions and Answers Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Defined - Answer-A chronic, progressive, systemic inflammatory process that primarily affects the synovial joints. Joints are destroyed over a long course of disease. Deformities are common. Leads to emotional and physical trauma. RA Incidence - Answer-Women outnumber men 2.5 to 3.1 Peak of cases between 40-60 yrs. after an onset between ages 20-40 yrs all races and ethnic groups 1st degree relatives of affected pts have twofold to threefold higher risk Osteoarthritis (OA) Subjective - Answer-Pts present w/ slowly developing, localized pain in the affected joint or joints that interferes w/ their usual activities Onset is subtle, and the pain may be ignored initially May have early morning stiffness in weight-bearing joints or stiffness after inactivity which subsides after 30 minutes, also referred to as the "gel phenomenon" Pain and stiffness also present in hand, often accompanied by bony deformities such as: Heberden's nodes-which affect the DIP joints, and Bouchard's nodes-which affect the PIP joints. May present as monoarticular or polyarticular OA is often asymmetrical RA Subjective - Answer-Early - Malaise, diffuse arthritis, weight loss, anorexia, fever, neuropathic pain in extremities, painful eyes and chest pain with deep breaths Classic symptoms: Awakens in pain that gets better as the day goes on. Swelling present in the am and decreases throughout the day. Pain and swelling go down with moderate activity. Late: Pain and swelling increase that lead to diminished activity and this leads to more pain and immobility. RA Objective - Answer-Peripheral symmetric polyarthritis and morning stiffness - history especially if lasts more than an hour.