https://padlet.com/morganshivler/np7owl8tw4bj Made with fortitude en-us 2017-02-13 16:41:59 UTC 2025-11-13 12:19:16 UTC hello@padlet.com zludwig8 https://padlet.com/morganshivler/np7owl8tw4bj/wish/153490017 Chronic, systemic autoimmune disease. Causes inflammation of synovial joints.

Has periods of remission (no symptoms) and exacerbation. When in an exacerbation period, some common symptoms to look for include:

- Pain and stiffness in affected joints
- Swelling, redness, and warmth in affect joints
- Limited range of motion
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Anemia
- WBC counts higher than 20,000

Long-term RA can lead to deformity of the joints, including:
- Ulnar Drift
- Boutonniere  deformity
- Hallux valgus
- Swan neck deformity

(Lewis pp. 1569-1572)


]]> 2017-02-13 16:55:38 UTC https://padlet.com/morganshivler/np7owl8tw4bj/wish/153490017 morganshivler https://padlet.com/morganshivler/np7owl8tw4bj/wish/153490096 Causes:
-Immune system attacks the synovium which is the lining of the membranes that surround you joints
-Tendons and ligaments that hold the joint together weaken and stretch causing the joint to lose its shape and alignment
Triggers:
- Genetics
-Environmental factors such as infection with certain viruses & bacteria
Risk Factors:
-Sex: Women are more likely to develop RA. 
-Age: most commonly begins between 40 and 60 
-Family History 
-Smoking
-Environmental Factors: Exposure to asbestos, silica, & dust can increase your risk. 
-Obesity 

(mayoclinic.org) ]]> 2017-02-13 16:55:51 UTC https://padlet.com/morganshivler/np7owl8tw4bj/wish/153490096 morganshivler https://padlet.com/morganshivler/np7owl8tw4bj/wish/153490157 Diagnosis:
It is difficult to diagnose in the early stages because many of the symptoms are similar to other diseases. There is no conclusive blood test or physical assessment to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Joints are assessed for swelling, redness and warmth. Reflexes and muscle strength may also be assessed.
Blood tests:
Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein are assessed because the indicate inflammation in the body. Rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies are also assessed.
Imaging tests like X-rays are done to track progession and MRIs and ultrasounds are done to track severity.

(Mayoclinic.org)]]> 2017-02-13 16:56:01 UTC https://padlet.com/morganshivler/np7owl8tw4bj/wish/153490157 morganshivler https://padlet.com/morganshivler/np7owl8tw4bj/wish/153490195

Common medications--->

• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) ex. methotrexate (Rheumatrex) 
• Biologic response modifiers (a type of DMARD) ex. etanercept (Enbrel) 
• Glucocorticoids ex. prednisone (Rayos)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) ex. ibuprofen (advil)
• Analgesics (painkillers) ex. tramadol (Ultram) 

Pharmacological treatments--->

• Heat & cold therapies ex. electric mittnes or cold packs
• Therapeutic exercise 
• Occupational therapy ex. decreasing tension on joints with specifically designed splints
• Joint protection education ex. maintenance of good posture and energy conservation

Nursing interventions/collaborative care---->

• Increase mobility, relieve pain/discomfort, and urge patients to perform ADLS

]]> 2017-02-13 16:56:09 UTC https://padlet.com/morganshivler/np7owl8tw4bj/wish/153490195 morganshivler https://padlet.com/morganshivler/np7owl8tw4bj/wish/153490254 Did you know that famous actress Kathleen Turner that guest starred on FRIENDS and actress/comedian Lucille Ball from I love Lucy were affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis?!]]> 2017-02-13 16:56:21 UTC https://padlet.com/morganshivler/np7owl8tw4bj/wish/153490254 morganshivler https://padlet.com/morganshivler/np7owl8tw4bj/wish/153490325 What is the difference between ulnar drift and swan-neck deformity?]]> 2017-02-13 16:56:33 UTC https://padlet.com/morganshivler/np7owl8tw4bj/wish/153490325