Question

Patient: 50-year-old woman

Chief complaint: Joint pain, fever, cough, and vomiting
Possible diagnoses:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)
Viral infection
Bacterial infection
Additional questions to ask:
How long has the patient been experiencing these symptoms?
Are the joint pains symmetric or asymmetric?
Is there any morning stiffness?
Does the patient have any skin rash?
Does the patient have any history of autoimmune disease?

Answer 1

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects synovial joints, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain. It is more common in women and usually occurs around the age of 40-50 years.

Step-by-step explanation:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the synovial joints of the hands, feet, and cervical spine. Affected joints become swollen, stiff, and painful. Although it is known that RA is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, the cause of RA remains unknown. Immune cells from the blood enter joints and the synovium causing cartilage breakdown, swelling, and inflammation of the joint lining. Breakdown of cartilage causes bones to rub against each other causing pain. RA is more common in women than men and the age of onset is usually 40-50 years of age.