Rheumatoid Arthritis

• What is the full name of RA?

  Rheumatoid Arthritis
• What type of disease is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

  It is an autoimmune disease
• What does RA primarily affect?

  Synovial joints
• What are the periods of RA characterized by?

  Periods of remission and exacerbation
• What percentage of the population is affected by RA?

  Approximately 1%
• In which demographic is RA more common?

  More common in women
• At what ages does RA typically begin?

  Between 30 and 50 years
• What is the cause of RA?

  The cause is unknown
• What is likely involved in the development of RA?

  A mix of genetics and environmental triggers
• What do genetically prone individuals produce in RA?

  An abnormal immunoglobulin G (IgG)
• What do rheumatoid factors (RF) target?

  IgG protein
• What do RF and IgG form in RA?

  Immune complexes
• What do immune complexes cause in RA?

  Joint inflammation and damage
• What do immune cells release to drive inflammation?

  Cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF)
• What are some risk factors for RA?

  Family history and smoking
• What symptoms often begin RA?

  Nonspecific systemic symptoms
• Where does pain and stiffness occur in RA?

  Symmetrically in small and larger joints
• How long does stiffness last after inactivity in RA?

  From 60 minutes to several hours
• Which joints are typically swollen in RA?

  MCP and PIP joints
• What can inflammation in RA lead to?

  Joint deformity and muscle atrophy
• What are common deformities in advanced RA?

  Ulnar drift, swan-neck, boutonnière deformities
• What body systems can RA affect?

  Nearly every body system
• What percentage of RA patients develop rheumatoid nodules?

  20%
• Where do rheumatoid nodules often develop?

  On pressure points like fingers and elbows
• What complications can rheumatoid nodules cause?

  Cataracts, vision loss, pleurisy, cardiomyopathy
• How do flexion contractures and hand deformities affect patients?

  They reduce grip strength and self-care ability
• What is involved in the clinical evaluation for RA diagnosis?

  Patient history and physical examination
• What laboratory tests are used for RA diagnosis?

  RF, anti-CCP antibodies, ESR, CRP
• What analysis is performed for RA diagnosis?

  Synovial fluid analysis
• What imaging techniques are used for RA diagnosis?

  X-rays, MRI, ultrasound
• What are the pharmacologic treatments for RA?

  DMARDs, biologics, NSAIDs, corticosteroids
• What are non-pharmacologic treatments for RA?

  Physical therapy, occupational therapy, lifestyle modifications
• What surgical options are available for RA management?

  Joint replacement and synovectomy
• What additional management strategies are important for RA?

  Pain management strategies and patient education
• What should be included in nursing assessment for RA?

  Health history and physical assessment
• What psychosocial needs should be assessed in RA patients?

  Family support, finances, emotional stress
• What environmental concerns should be considered for RA patients?

  Transportation and home/work modification
• What is a key nursing intervention for RA management?

  Balance of rest and activity
• What type of exercise is recommended for RA patients?

  Gentle range of motion exercises
• What is important for joint protection in RA?

  Use of assistive devices and breaks