Rheumatoid arthritis nursing assessment - Fatigue, generalized weakness, weight loss, anorexia,

morning stiffness, bilateral inflammation of joints, decreased ROM, joint pain, warmth, edema,
erythema, joint deformity

Rheumatoid arthritis - The normal cartilage becomes soft, fissures and pitting occurs, and the cartilage
thins. Spurs form and inflammation sets in. the result is deformity marked by immobility, pain and
muscle spasm. Treatment is corticosteroids, splinting, immobilization

Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis - Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, positive rheumatoid factor,
presence of antinuclear antibody, joint space narrowing indicated by arthroscopic exam, abnormal
synovial fluid indicated by arthrocentesis; C-reactive protein indicated by active inflammation

Synovial tissues - Line the bones of the joints. Inflammation of this lining causes destruction of tissue
and bone. Early detection of RA can decrease the amount of bone and joint destruction. Often the
disease goes into remission. Decreasing the amount of bone and joint destruction deduces the amount
of disability

RA nursing plans ad interventions - Pain relief measures: moist heat; warm, moist compresses, whirlpool
baths, hot showers; diversionary activities: imaging, distraction, hypnosis, biofeedback; rest after
activity; avoid overexertion and to maintain proper posture and joint position; encourage use of
assistive devices: elevated toilet seat, shower chair, can, walker, wheelchair, reachers, adaptive clothing
with Velcro closures, straight-backed chair with elevated seat

Lupus erythematosus - Systemic, inflammatory, connective tissue disorder; autoimmune disorder;

kidney involvement is the leading cause of death

Discoid Lupus erythematosus - Affects skin only

Systemic Lupus erythematosus - Can cause major body organ and system failure; more prevalent that
DLE