Nursing Care of a Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an incurable chronic autoimmune disease that causes painful inflammation of the joints, especially in the wrists, fingers, knees and ankles. Nursing care focuses on alleviating the symptoms, keeping patients comfortable and preventing further complications.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms of RA include fatigue, body aches, weakness and joint stiffness, especially in the morning. RA may also limit the patient's range of motion and cause low-grade fever, lung inflammation and anemia.
Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Complications include inflammation of the heart and blood vessels, which can lead to skin infections, stomach ulcers, nerve damage, stroke and heart conditions, according to Medline Plus. Monitor vitals and lung sounds regularly.
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Pain
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Help manage pain by responding immediately to complaints, providing medication as ordered by physician, encouraging frequent rest between activities and providing distractions. Hot or cold compresses may also provide relief.
Daily Living Activities
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The patient may need help dressing, bathing, performing range of motion exercises and other daily activities. If muscle weakness is present, the patient may be unsteady and require assistance walking.
Emotional Support
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Encourage the patient to talk about feelings and promote a sense of independence by allowing her to perform as many tasks as possible. Monitor for signs of depression and low self-esteem.
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