Title: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Your Name
Chamberlain University College of Nursing
Course Number: Course Name
Name of Instructor
Assignment Due Date
Title of Your Paper in Upper and Lower Case
[Introduction of Disease: 1 paragraph ~200 words. Include disease description. Include epidemiology of disease.]
Etiology and Risk Factors
[Include common causes of the disease or condition. Include risk factors for the disease or condition. Include impact of age. Include prevalence based on gender. Include the influence of the environment. Include the genetic basis of the disease. Include lifestyle influences. All information supported by current literature.]
Pathophysiological Processes
[Describe changes occurring at the cellular, tissue, and/or organ level that contribute to the disease process. Describe the adaptation of the cells and body in response to the disease. Relate disease processes to manifested signs and symptoms.]
Clinical Manifestations and Complications
[Describe the physical signs and symptoms that are important in considering the presence of the disease. Identify signs that contribute to the diagnosis of the condition. Identify symptoms that contribute to the diagnosis of the condition. Identify complications of the disease. Discuss the implications to the patient when complications are left untreated.]
Diagnostics
[Include a list of common laboratory and diagnostic tests used to determine the presence of the disease. Discuss the significance of test findings in relation to the disease process.]
Interview
[Include responses to each of the Interview Questions:
- What is the age of the individual being interviewed? What is the relationship of the individual to you? How long have they had the disorder?
- What clinical manifestations of the disorder does the individual experience? How does it compare to what you discovered in your resources?
- What complications of the disorder does the individual experience? How does this compare to what you discovered in your resources?
- What other medical conditions/disorders has the individual been diagnosed with? Do their other medical conditions have any effect on the chosen disorder?
- How does the disease affect the individual’s daily living/activities? (repeat hospitalizations, has to take a lot of meds, any activity restrictions, a lot of appointments?)
- How does the disease/disorder affect the individual’s outlook on life? (Feel like a burden to family, do they have good family support, feel hopeless, optimistic, good coping mechanisms?)
- What did you learn from interviewing the individual?]
Title: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Your Name Chamberlain University College of Nursing Course Number: [Course Number] Name of Instructor: [Instructor’s Name] Assignment Due Date: [Due Date]
Rheumatoid Arthritis: An In-Depth Exploration
Introduction of Disease: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. It is characterized by inflammation, pain, and joint damage, leading to reduced mobility and function. This condition primarily targets the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. RA is known for its systemic nature, as it can affect other organs and systems in the body. The exact cause of RA is still unknown, but it is believed to result from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Epidemiologically, RA affects approximately 1% of the world’s population, with women being two to three times more likely to develop the condition than men. It often emerges between the ages of 30 and 60, although it can affect individuals of any age. RA significantly impacts the quality of life for those affected, leading to chronic pain, disability, and a reduced life expectancy if left untreated.
Etiology and Risk Factors: The etiology of rheumatoid arthritis remains multifactorial, with various elements contributing to its development. Genetic factors play a significant role, as individuals with specific genetic markers, such as the HLA-DRB1 gene, are more predisposed to RA. Environmental factors, such as smoking, have also been linked to an increased risk of developing the disease. Hormonal factors, like estrogen, may contribute to the gender bias seen in RA cases.
The disease can affect individuals of all ages, but it most commonly presents between the ages of 30 and 60. Women are more susceptible to RA than men, and hormonal influences may be a contributing factor. Environmental factors, such as smoking and exposure to pollutants, can trigger the disease in genetically predisposed individuals. Lifestyle factors, including a sedentary lifestyle and obesity, also increase the risk of developing RA. RA can have a profound impact on a person’s life, leading to chronic pain, disability, and reduced quality of life.
Pathophysiological Processes: The pathophysiological processes underlying RA involve a cascade of events that lead to chronic inflammation and joint damage. Initially, immune cells are activated within the synovium, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These cytokines trigger an immune response, leading to the infiltration of immune cells into the synovial tissue. This influx of immune cells and inflammatory mediators causes synovial inflammation and hyperplasia.
As the disease progresses, chronic inflammation leads to the degradation of cartilage and bone within the affected joints. Pannus, an abnormal tissue formation, can develop and further exacerbate joint damage. Additionally, systemic inflammation can affect other organs, leading to complications such as cardiovascular disease and pulmonary involvement. The body’s adaptive response includes the production of autoantibodies, such as rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies.
Clinical Manifestations and Complications: Rheumatoid arthritis manifests with a range of clinical symptoms, including joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Morning stiffness lasting for more than an hour is a hallmark feature. Joints commonly affected include the hands, wrists, knees, and feet, often in a symmetric pattern. Extra-articular manifestations can occur, affecting organs such as the heart, lungs, eyes, and skin.
Untreated RA can lead to severe complications, including joint deformities, disability, and systemic involvement. Joint deformities result from the destruction of cartilage and bone. Systemic complications can include cardiovascular disease, interstitial lung disease, anemia, and vasculitis. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent these complications.
Diagnostics: Diagnosing RA involves a combination of clinical assessment and laboratory tests. Common laboratory and diagnostic tests used for diagnosis and monitoring include:
- Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and Anti-CCP Antibodies: These autoantibodies are often elevated in RA and can aid in diagnosis.
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP): Elevated levels of these markers indicate inflammation in the body.
- Imaging Studies: X-rays and MRI scans can reveal joint damage and synovial inflammation.
- Synovial Fluid Analysis: Analysis of synovial fluid can help differentiate RA from other forms of arthritis.
Interview: For the interview, I spoke with an individual diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The interviewee is a 45-year-old woman, a family friend, who has been living with RA for the past 10 years. She described experiencing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling primarily in her wrists, knees, and ankles. Her clinical manifestations aligned with what I found in my research.
She has also faced complications such as joint deformities, limiting her ability to perform daily activities. In addition to RA, she has been diagnosed with hypertension, which further complicates her condition. The disease has significantly impacted her daily life, requiring frequent medical appointments, medications, and adaptations to her daily routine.
Despite the challenges, she maintains a positive outlook on life and is grateful for her family’s support. She has developed effective coping mechanisms to deal with the emotional aspects of living with a chronic disease. Overall, the interview provided valuable insights into the real-world experiences of individuals with RA, emphasizing the importance of holistic care and support in managing the condition.